Sutra of Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light
The Golden Light Sutra

Chapter 1: Opening Dialogue
Thus I have heard. Once, Buddha lived on the Vultures peak, in Rajagriha city. He abided in the pure and profound Dharma realm. That Dharma realm is the realm of Buddha, the abode of the Tathagatas. Now, there are 98000 great monks, all are Arhat, having skillfully subdued themselves, just like the kings of elephants, all faults having been corrected, no longer having any defilement; their mind has been liberated, their wisdom has been liberated, all work has been accomplished, free from all encumbrance, they have achieved their own benefits, free from all outflows; they have also achieved freedom, living in the pure abode, in skillful means, their wisdom is solemn and great; they have achieved the 8 liberations, reaching the other shore. Their names are the A nha kieu tran nhu the Elder, the Elder A thuyet thi da, the Elder Ba thap ba, the Elder Ma ha na ma, the Elder Ba de li ca, the Disciple Great Gayip, the Disciple Uu lau ta loa ca nhiep, the Disciple Da da Gayip, the Disciple Na de ca dip, the Disciple Sariputra, the Disciple Maha Muc kieu lien, Ananda, the ones who are in the position of the learned. All these Great Disciples awake from their Samadhi in the late afternoon; they proceed to the Buddha, bow down to Him, walk around Buddha 3 times on the right side and then recede to sit on one side. There are also hundreds of thousands of great Bodhisattvas, greatly renowned, like the king of Nagas, widely appraised and are known to many; they like to practice giving and living a pure life, practicing patience and exerting efforts for countless eons, surpassing all meditations, always mindful, opening the door of wisdom, skillful in means, free to travel any place, having magical powers, achieving many great samadhis, endless eloquence, slicing off all defilement, having no attachment, approaching the all-knowing wisdom, able to subdue all ascetics, helping them generate the pure heart; set in motion the Dharma wheel, helping all devas and human, their Buddha fields in the ten directions are greatly ornamented, benefiting
Page 1 of 175

all sentient beings in the six realms, they have achieved the great wisdom, achieving great patience, having the heart of compassion, great strength of effort, serving the Buddha, not entering Nirvana, making great vows, until infinite age in the future; they have sown great roots of virtue in the presence of the Buddhas; in the three times they have achieved the unborn patience, surpassing all second vehicle, they use great compassionate means to teach the world, they are able to demonstrate all teachings of the Buddha, they are able to understand and consummate the profound meaning of emptiness, without any doubt or uncertainties. They are the Bodhisattva Unbounded Dharma Wheel Turner, the Bodhisattva Generating the Heart of turning the wheel of Dharma, the Bodhisattva Always exerting efforts, the Bodhisattva Bat hu tuc, the Bodhisattva Tu thi, the Bodhisattva Gentle Auspicious, the Bodhisattva Observing the world, the Bodhisattva Free Samadhi King, The Bodhisattva Great Eloquence and Solemnity King, the Bodhisattva Great Mystical King of Mountain, the Bodhisattva Great and Deep Ocean King, the Bodhisattva Garlands of Jewel, the Bodhisattva Earth Base, the Bodhisattva Void Base, the Bodhisattva Freedom of Reservation and Protection, the Bodhisattva Diamond Protector, the Bodhisattva Power of Joy, the Bodhisattva Power of Great Dharma, the Bodhisattva Great and Solemn Light, the Bodhisattva Great and Solemn Golden Light, the Bodhisattva Pure Conduct, the Bodhisattva Always Constant Meditating, the Bodhisattva Absolute Pure Wisdom, the Bodhisattva Non-receding Exertion of Effort, the Bodhisattva Voidlike Mind, the Bodhisattva Uninterrupted Actualization of Great Vows, the Bodhisattva Giver of Medicine, the Bodhisattva Remedy of Sickness and Defilement, the Bodhisattva King-like, the Bodhisattva Great Joy High King, the Bodhisattva Acquiring the Great Prediction, the Bodhisattva Great Cloud of Pure Light, the Bodhisattva Great Cloud Upholding the Dharma, the Bodhisattva Great Cloud Proclaiming the name of Joy, the Bodhisattva Revelation of Boundless Great Cloud, the Bodhisattva Great Cloud Lion Roaring, the Bodhisattva Great Cloud Roaring of Bull King, the Bodhisattva Auspicious Great Cloud, the Bodhisattva Great Jewel and Virtue Great Cloud, the Bodhisattva Embodiment of the Sun Great Cloud, the Bodhisattva Embodiment of the Moon Great Cloud, the Bodhisattva Clear Light Great Cloud, the Bodhisattva Great Cloud Iridescent of Fire, the Bodhisattva Great Cloud Palace Illumination, the Bodhisattva Great Cloud Thunder Sound, the Bodhisattva Great Cloud Rain of Wisdom Vigorously shifting, the Bodhisattva Great Cloud Pure Rain King, the Bodhisattva Great Cloud Flower Enjoying King, the Bodhisattva Great Cloud Gentle Scent of Lotus, the Bodhisattva Great Cloud Sandalwood Scent Body of Uprighteousness, the Bodhisattva Great Cloud Sweeping away Darkness, the Bodhisattva Great Cloud Destroying Impurity. Such Great Bodhisattva, late in the afternoon, all awake from their Samadhi, and travel to where the Tathagata is, bowing to The Blessed Ones feet, walk around Buddha 3 times on the right side and then recede to sit on one side. There are also 508000 Children, namely, the child Lions Light, the child Wisdom of Lion, the child Accepting and Upholding the Dharma, the child Nhan da rat ho, the child Great Light, the child Great Strength, the child Protected by Buddha, the child
Page 2 of 175

Protected by Dharma, the child Protected by the Sangha, the child Protected by Diamond Vajra, the child Protected by Void, the child Greatly Sounding of Void, the child Body of Jewel, the child Miraculous Body of Auspiciousness. Such are the leaders among them. They all remain fortified in the state of Enlightenment, rejoicing in the Great Vehicle. Late in the afternoon, they travel to where the Tathagata is, bowing to The Blessed Ones feet, walk around Buddha 3 times on the right side and then recede to sit on one side. There are also 42000 Devas sons, namely the Devas son Joyous view, the Devas son Affirming Joy, the Devas son Light of the Sun, the Devas son Moon Altar, the Devas son Bright Wisdom, the Devas son Void Oure Wisdom, the Devas son Dispelling Defilement, the Devas son Auspiciousness. Such are the leaders among them. They make great vows to protect the Great Vehicle, making the Dharma blaze brightly. Late in the afternoon, they travel to where the Tathagata is, bowing to The Blessed Ones feet, walk around Buddha 3 times on the right side and then recede to sit on one side. There are also 28000 Naga King, such as the Naga King Lotus, the Naga King A la yip, the Naga King Great Strength, the Naga King Great Roar, the Naga King Tieu Ba, the Naga King Maintaining the Water, the Naga King Golden Appearance, the Naga King Like ones wish. Such are the leaders among them. They rejoice and keep in mind the Dharma of the great Vehicle, deeply abiding in strong belief, praise and uphold the Dharma. Late in the afternoon, they travel to where the Tathagata is, bowing to The Blessed Ones feet, walk around Buddha 3 times on the right side and then recede to sit on one side. There are also 36000 Yaksa, Headed by Ti sa mon Heavenly King, their names are the Yaksa Yim ba, the Yaksa Body of Lotus Light, the Yaksa Appearance of Lotus, the Yaksa Tan mi, the Yaksa Appearing the Great Container, the Yaksa Tremoring the Earth, the Yaksa Thon thuc. Such Yaksa rejoice at the Dharma of the Buddha, sincerely maintaining the Dharma and not waning in attention. Late in the afternoon, they travel to where the Tathagata is, bowing to The Blessed Ones feet, walk around Buddha 3 times on the right side and then recede to sit on one side. There are also 49000 Yet lo tra Kings, headed by the Scent Elephant Power King, there are also Gandarva, Asura, Kinara, Magurada, etc; there are also wood, river and sea gods; kings of great nations, accompanied by their queens and servants, there are also sons and daughters of the lineage. There are human and devas who gather, all vowing to protect the supremely great vehicle, read and scrutinize the Dharma, recite until memorized, question and accept, keep in mind and copy the Dharma. Late in the afternoon, they travel to where the Tathagata is, bowing to The Blessed Ones feet, walk around Buddha 3 times on the right side and then recede to sit on one side. Such assemblies, including the Disciples, Bodhisattva, human, Devas, 8 groups of celestial Naga kings, all are of one-pointed mind, holding their palms together and regard the Tathagata, not looking elsewhere. They are all eager to listen to the supreme and miraculous Dharma
Page 3 of 175

Then, the Tathagata, late in the afternoon, awake from His Samadhi and regard the assembly, speaking these verses The Golden Light Sutra The miraculous and most supreme The king of Sutras It is very deep Hard to find It is the realm of Buddha Today, the Tathagata will speak Of Such Sutra For the whole assembly In the East, there is Asokbhya Buddha In the South there is Treasure Sign Buddha The Buddha of Infinite Longevity Resides in the West The Buddha in the North Is the Buddha Heavenly Ancient Sound The four Buddha In such 4 directions All use their might To sustain this Sutra The Tathagata will speak of The Dharma power of repentance That method is auspicious And profound, supreme The power of this method Is capable of Eliminating all evil and guilt Cleansing away All evil deeds Dispersing all defilement And catastrophes Often bringing about Unthinkable peace and joy The root of that method Is the Oneness Field wisdom And decorated By many qualities Anyone whose body Is not whole and complete Whose life is
Page 4 of 175
About to terminate All fearful signs Have manifested Gods and Devas All abandon that person Hated by his companions His relatives separated Attacks from all sides Belongings and wealth All dispersed He is influenced by evil stars Or harmed by magic and poisons Too much sorrow Agitated by defilement Having nightmares From that defilement arises That person should Bathe cleanly And wear clean and pure clothes Towards this sutra The miraculous sutra Very profound, which is

Praised by the Tathagata That person should Stay focus Mind without distraction To analyze and recite Listen and accept Keep in mind Wholeheartedly uphold Then thanks to the power Of this Sutra He will be free From all harm All sufferings Will be eliminated The four Great Kings Protecting the world Together with their companies Countless Yaksa One-mindedly protect There are also The devas daughter called Great Eloquence The river god Ni lien The Mother god Hari The Earth god Kien lao Or rejoice in it
Page 5 of 175
Brahma king, Sakra Together with Naga king And Kinara Kings of eagles Asura, devas All the devas And such companies All bring along their companies To protect such person Day and night Not leaving The Tathagata will speak Of this Sutra The very profound sutra The path that the Tathagatas travel And also the secret method Of the Tathagatas Thousands of lives Hard to come across Whoever listen to this sutra Or speak to others about it
Or makes offering to it That person will be In countless eons Respected by the heavenly beings And Naga gods The mass of merit More numerous than the grains of sand In the Ganges river Analyze and memorize Such sutra like this It will generate such merits That person will be Protected by Tathagatas In the ten directions And Bodhisattvas Who cultivate great virtues That person will Depart from suffering To offer to this Sutra Do as mentioned previously Bathe in clean water Offer Flower garlands and incense

Generate the mind of compassion For the person you offer to To listen to this Sutra One must have a clean mind Often rejoicing in the meaning Will generate even more merit Having a respectful attitude To listen to this Sutra Is worthy of a human life Leaving all defilement and catastrophe That person has matured All roots of virtues And are praised by the Tathagatas Thus he is able To listen to this sutra And the method of repentance
Chapter 2: The Longevity of the Tathagata

In the Rajagriha City there is a bodhisattva called Gentle garlands, who have offered and sown good roots of virtues in front of countless Buddha, serving the Tathagats. Then, the Bodhisattva Gentle Garland is alone in a quiet, reclusive spot. Bodhisattva thinks, for what reason does the Sakyamuni Tathagata have such a short life span, only 80 years, also thinking- like what Buddha has said, there are 2 reasons for having a long life, which are the two? First is not killing lives, and second is offering food. Yet the Buddha has in countless great eons refrains from killing, practicing the ten virtuous acts, also offering food to destitute beings, even offering blood, flesh, bones and marrow to sentient beings, no need to speak of food When the Bodhisattva has such thought about the Tathagata, thanks to His power, the Bodhisattvas room suddenly becomes wide and large, beautiful and clean, with various jades with base made of lapis, intermingling with many colors as ornaments, just like the Buddha field. There is also magnificent good scent, even more so than the devas scent and perfume, it reaches to all space. In the four directions of that room there are 4 lion altars, supreme and refined, made of the 4 kinds of jades. On the altar there spreads heavenly silk. There appear on the four altars marvelous lotus blossom, decorated by precious stones, with the qualities matching that of the Tathagatas: Unmoving Tathagata in the East, Heavenly signs Tathagata in the South, Countless Longevity in the West, Heavenly Ancient Sound Tathagata in the North. The four Tathagatas all sit cross-legged on the 4 altars, projecting great light illuminating the entire Rajagriha city, the great heavenly world, and the Buddha fields in the ten directions. Heavenly flowers rain down and heavenly music resound. Now in the South Jambudvipa world and the great Heavenly world, countless sentient beings enjoy magnificent happiness, even to the minutest extent, not missing anything, all thanks to the Tathagatas might. Anyone who does not have a whole body becomes perfect. The blind can see, the deaf can hear, the dumb can speak,
Page 6 of 175

the thick of mind become wise, the mad become alert, the ragged acquire cloth, the despised are respected, the blemished acquire purity. In this world, many rare occasions arise. Now the Bohdisattva Gentle Garland, seeing the four Tathagatas together with many rare occasions, becomes jubilant, holding the palms together, one-mindedly regarding the excellent marks of the Buddha. Bodhisattva also brings to mind the infinite merit of the Sakyamuni Buddha, only uncertain about Buddhas longevity, why Buddha has infinite merit, yet has a short lifespan, only 8 decades? Then, the 4 Tathagatas say to the Bodhisattva Gentle Garlands: child of the lineage, you should not think of the Tathagata has long or short lifespan. Why? Because, son of the lineage, the Tathagatas do not see any devas, human, Brahma kings, Mara, monks, all mankind and nonhuman, who can calculate and know the limit of the Tathagatas lifespan, except for the Supreme Enlightened. The 4 Tathagatas want to speak of the lifespan of the Sakyamuni Buddha. Thanks to Their might, the devas in the Desire and Form realm, the 8 classes of Naga kings, and countless Bodhisattvas assemble in the marvelous chamber of the Bodhisattva Gentle Garland. Towards such assembly, the 4 Tathagatas want to establish and demonstrate the lifespan of the Sakyamuni Buddha, thus speaking in these verses: It is possible To know the number of droplets Of the ocean But it is impossible To know the lifespan of Sakyamuni Grinding mount Sumeru Into the size of mustard seeds The number of mustard seeds Can be known, but there is No telling of the lifespan Of the Tathagata It is possible To know the number of Dust particle on Earth But there is no knowing The lifespan of Sakyamuni Setting boundary of space One can tell the size But it is impossible To know the lifespan Of Sakyamuni If someone lives For hundreds of thousands of eons Diligently using mathematics
Page 7 of 175
It is impossible To know the lifespan Of Sakyamuni Not killing lives Offering nourishment Thanks to these two kinds of roots Buddha acquires a long lifespan Thus the lifespan Of the Enlightened One Cannot be known To anyone Just like time Infinite and limitless

The lifespan of Sakyamuni Buddha Is just the same Gentle Garland, you should know And not doubt The lifespan of The Supreme and unsurpassable No one can know The measure and number
Then, the Bodhisattva Gentle Garland, having heard of the infinite longevity of the Sakyamuni Buddha, says like this, Blessed Ones, why do the Sakyamuni Tathagata appear to have a short lifespan? The four Tathagatas teach the Bodhisattva, child of the lineage, when the Sakyamuni arises in the world with the 5 defilements, the lifespan of the human world is approximately 100 year, vile and lowly, with weak root of virtue, not believing or understanding anything. The majority of them abides in self, in life, in the concept of soul, the concept of permanence, self-nourishment, wrong views-the thoughts of self and possession of self body, concept of permanence and the void space. To benefit those who are born and taught with such wrong views, to enable them to have the correct perception, quickly achieving the supreme wisdom, thus the Tathagata Sakyamuni appears to have short lifespan. Child of the lineage, The Buddha wants to let the sentient beings see that Buddha enters Nirvana, thereby they experience the thought of rarity, of concern and worry; towards the Dharma that Buddha has spoken, they quickly accept, keep in mind, analyze, recite to memory, speak to others and not taking it lightly. It is due to this reason that the Buddha Sakyamuni demonstrate a short lifespan. The reason is that when the above mentioned sentient beings see that Buddha does not enter Nirvana, they do not have the thought of respect, of preciousness and rarity; towards the profound Dharma that he has taught, they do not accept, keep in mind, recite to memory or speak to other people. Why is that, because of frequently seeing the Buddha, they no longer respect. Child of the lineage, for example a person sees that his parents have a lot of gold and jewel, towards these properties, the son does not generate the thought of rarity, the thought of distinctiveness, why, because the son has the thought that these properties last forever. Child of the lineage, those sentient beings are the same, if they see that the Sakyamuni Buddha does not enter Nirvana, they do not think that seeing Buddha is rare, because they see the Buddha frequently. Child of the lineage, for example there is a person, his parents are poor, lacking in many aspects, when the child goes to an emperor palace or ministers, seeing the abundance of wealth, he generates the thought of rarity. The child, wanting to possess these properties, starts to work in all means, diligent and without indulgence, the reason is to be free from poverty and enjoy a wealthy and pleasant life. Child of the lineage, those sentient beings are the same, if they see that the Buddha enter Nirvana, they have the thought of rarity and concern. They think, Buddha only appears once in countless eons, just like the Udambara flower only blooming after a very long time. Thinking thus, they generate the thought of rarity. Thus, when they see Buddha, they revere and believe, and listen to Buddha propounding the Dharma, and know these to be true, they accept and keep in mind
Page 8 of 175

all Dharma without taking lightly these Dharma. Child of the lineage, for this reason, the Buddha Sakyamuni does not abide for long on this planet Earth, but entering Nirvana quickly. Child of the lineage, just like that, the Tathagata uses skillful means to teach the sentient beings. Having said so, the four Tathagatas disappear. At this time, the Bodhisattva Gentle Garland together with countless bodhisattvas and sentient beings, proceed to the Vultures Peak, where the Tathagata Sakyamuni is, bow to Buddhas feet and stand on one side. Bodhisattva Gentle Garland recounts the above occasion to the Buddha. At that time, the four Tathagatas also go to the Vultures Peak, where the Buddha Sakyamuni is. They rest on the Altars in accordance with the direction that they come from, then they said to the Hearers and Bodhisattvas, go to the place where the Sakyamuni Tathagata is and enquire for his health, whether he is strong in body, moving about freely, and rest easy. The Tathagatas also says, how benign, the Blessed One, now that you can speak of the Golden Light Sutra, a profound, fundamental Dharma, to benefit the sentient beings, help them eradicate hunger and thirst, and rest comfortably. Dear the Blessed One please rejoice in this. The Hearers together go to where the Blessed One is, they bow to His feet, and stand to one side, they all say to the Blessed One: The Master of human and Devas enquire for Your health whether You are strong in body, moving about freely, and rest easy. The Hearers also say like this: how benign, Blessed One, please speak of the Golden Light Sutra, a profound, fundamental Dharma, to benefit the sentient beings, help them eradicate hunger and thirst, letting them rest comfortably. Dear our Blessed One please rejoice in this. At this time, the Supreme, Unsurpassed Perfect Enlightened One says to the Bodhisattvas, how benign, the Four Tathagatas want to benefit the sentient beings, giving them joy, as such the Tathagatas wish Buddha to extol the fundamental Dharma! Buddha speaks the following verses: The Tathagata often rests On the Vultures Peak Proclaiming the Dharma Treasure The Golden Light Sutra Buddha wants to help The sentient beings Thus Buddha appears and manifests To enter Nirvana The laypersons Having wrong views and are confused They cannot believe In what the Tathagata says To help such beings Buddha appears To enter Nirvana
At this time in the assembly there is a Brahmin named Kieu Tran Nhu, called Predicted by the Dharma master, together with countless Brahmins, having offered to the Tathagata, and heard that Buddha is going to enter Nirvana, their tears flow and they quickly walk to Buddha and bow to the Blessed Ones feet, saying, Blessed One, if the Blessed One has the heart of Great compassion towards all sentient beings, and sympathize, wishing to benefit them, making them rest comfortably, just like father and mother, peerless; Buddha is the resting pillar of the whole world, just
Page 9 of 175

like the full bright moon; Buddha shines forth light rays with great wisdom, just like the Sun at dawn; Buddha regards everyone as equal, as just like the Elder Rahurathen please grant me a wish. Having heard so, the Buddha only remains silent. However, thanks to his might, in the assembly there is a person called Appealing to look at, he says to the Brahmin Kieu tran nhu, dear Brahmin, what do you wish to ask of the Buddha, I can satisfy your want. The Brahmin Kieu tran nhu says, person, I wish to make offering to the supreme Buddha, thus I only ask Buddha to endow me with a relic as small as a mustard seed, for me to revere and make offering. Why do I ask of such endowment? Since I have heard that, if any son or daughter of the lineage possess a relic of the Buddha the size of a mustard seed, to revere and make offering to, that person will be born to the Heaven of the 33, and become Indra. Having heard just so, the Le xa ti person says to Brahmin, if you want to be reborn in the Heaven of the 33 and enjoy marvelous fortune, surpassing that of the human realm, you should strive to listen to the Golden Light sutra. This Sutra is more than any other Sutras, hard to analyze, explain or enter into. Hearers or Solitary Enlightened ones cannot understand this Sutra. This Sutra generate numerous benefits and merits, even unto the Supreme Enlightenment. I will only speak of a few benefits. The Brahmin says, how benign, person, but the Sutra of Golden light is so profound, supreme, hard to explain, hard to enter, Hearers and Solitary Enlightened beings cannot understand, no need to speak of us, we are born in the boundary, weak in wisdom, how are we to understand. Thus, today I only ask of the relic of Buddha the size of a mustard seed, to bring back to the home country, put in a box made of jade, and reverentially make offering to. After we die, we will become Indra, often enjoying good fortune and peace. Why can you not, from the Light-Bound One, ask to fulfill my wish? The Brahmin having said so, the person Le xa ti speaks to him in poem: Amidst the gushing flow Of the Ganges river Can sprout up A white lotus The yellow bird Can turn to white Or black bird Can become red Or the thiem bo tree Can bear the da la fruit And that robe can be The Khat thu la tree
Page 10 of 175
Can bear the yem la fruit Many strange and rare occurring Can happen The relic of Buddha Can never be Suppose the hair of a turtle Can be used to weave a beautiful robe
Worn in winter Until that time One can find the relic Of the Tathagata Suppose the leg of a mosquito Can support A strong fort Infinitely steady and immobile Until that time

One can find the relic Suppose in the mouth of a leach Grow a white set of teeth Large and long Sharp like a needle Until that time One can find the relic Suppose the horn of a rabbit Can be crafted into a ladder And climbing that ladder One can reach Heaven Until that time One can find the relic A mouse climbs on that ladder And fights with the Asura Blocking the moon In space Until that time One can find the relic A drunken fly Buzzing around the village and town At the same time Building up many masons Until that time One can find the relic Suppose the mouth of a donkey Becomes scarlet just like The tan ba fruit It is also gifted in dancing and singing Until that time One can find the relic Crow and owl Can stand on one side And the two Can accord with each other Until that time One can find the relic If the ba la leaf Can be made into an umbrella Which can give shelter During a heavy rain Until that time One can find the relic Suppose the great boat Carrying full of jade and gold And it can surf on land As if in water Until that time One can find the relic And if the ri bird Holding Huong son in its beak Upon its own wish Free to travel anywhere Until that time
One can find the relic The Brahmin Predicted Dharma master, hearing those verses, also use verses to reply to the person Appealing to the eye How benign, person The great auspicious one Skillful in using The means of wisdom
Page 11 of 175

This makes you worthy of Being predicted by the Buddha The power of the Tathagata Is supremely large Sufficient in capability To save the world You should listen to me In order The field of the Tathagata Is hard to penetrate Among the whole world Is peerless His Dharma body The basic character always abiding The method of cultivating virtues Does not cause it to waver in exactitude The assembly of Tathagatas Are of the same basic character The Dharma that They speak Is also the same Such is the reason why The Tathagatas do not create or influence Also unborn The Vajra body Of the Tathagata Miraculously transforming into Various conditional forms
Page 12 of 175

Such is the reason why The relic of Buddha cannot be found Even to the size of the mustard seed The body of Tathagata Is not made of flesh and blood How then can one find Relic or bones But because of skillful means He leaves behind relic To benefit Numerous kinds of beings The Dharma body is Buddha The Dharma field is also Buddha Only the Dharma body is real And is the Body of Buddha The Dharma that Buddha speaks Is just that Dharma field In the assembly there are 32000 Devas sons, having listened to the indestructible lifespan of Buddha, they all generate the mind of the Unsurpassed Perfect and Complete Enlightenment, they all rejoice, become jubilant when they are taught with what they have never heard before. Thus, they speak the following verses, all the same
Buddha does not reach an end The Dharma is also imperishable But because of the benefits For many sentient beings Buddha appears to manifest An ending In truth, the Buddha is Inconceivable The Miraculous body of Buddha Does not shift, or change But because of wanting to benefit For many sentient beings Buddha demonstrate Many solemn happenings
Page 13 of 175

At this time the Bodhisattva Gentle Garland, in front of the Tathagata and the four Buddha, the 2 great people and many devas sons, having heard of the lifespan of the Tathagata, from his seat stands up, holds his palms together and say to Him, Blessed One, if the Tathagata deos not enter into Nirvana, does not have relic, then why in the previous sutras Buddha says that there is Nirvana, and there is relic for mankind and devas to worship? The Tathagata has passed beyond, and leave behind relic to be disseminated to everyone, human and devas make offering to the relic and generate great benefits. But now Buddha says that there is no relic, causing doubt and uncertainties. Pray Buddha please explain to me in various allusions and examples. At this time, the Tathagata says to the Bodhisattva Gentle Garland and the whole assembly, you should know that saying that there is Nirvana and relic is with the secret meaning. That meaning you should now listen with one-pointed mind. Child of the lineage, the great bodhisattva should know that there are 10 manifestations that can explain the true meaning of what Buddha speaks, of the great Nirvana and salvation. Which are the 10? 1, the Tathagata destroys all defilement and basis of knowledge, such is called Nirvana. 2 The Tathagata knows and understands clearly the cause of the non-character and the method of non-character, such is called Nirvana. 3 The Tathagata can transform the body form and Dharma form, such is called Nirvana. 4 The Tathagata, towards all sentient beings, naturally ceases from existent (when the cause and opportunities to help sentient beings have ceased), such is called Nirvana. 5 Buddha knows and acquires the invariable Dharma body, such is called Nirvana. 6 Buddha completely consummate the oneness of birth-death and Nirvana, such is called Nirvana. 7 The Tathagata consummate the basis of all methods, reaching all purities, such is called Nirvana. 8 the Tathagatas skillfully cultivate in the unproduced and undestroyed nature of all methods, such is called Nirvana. 9 The Tathagatas acquire the mindfulness of Suchness, such is called Nirvana. 10 the Tathagatas acquires the oneness, sameness of Dharma nature and Nirvanas nature, such is called Nirvana. These are the 10 manifestations that speak of the presence of Nirvana. Child of the lineage, the great bodhisattvas should also know this: there are 10 other manifestations that explain the true meaning of Buddha when speaking of the great Nirvana and salvation. Which are the 10? 1 All defilements have the root cause, which is desire, want, from want, being born is born, the Tathagata terminate and uproot all want, such is called Nirvana. 2 the Tathagatas terminate all want, and do not set in motion or carry out any method: because there is no act, there is no approaching, no process of becoming, such is called Nirvana. 3 Since there is no becoming, no act, that is called the indestructible Dharma body: Unproduced and indestructible, such is called Nirvana. 4 The character of unborn and indestructibility cannot be explained using language: because language is not used to describe, such is called Nirvana. 5 There is no self and being, thinking of the nature of birth and destruction of Dharma, Buddha transforms, such is called Nirvana. 6 Defilement
Page 14 of 175

is the guest, the nature of Dharma is the host, there is no coming forth or going away: The Tathagatas consummate as such, such is called Nirvana. 7 Suchness is real, the rest is not: Suchness is the Tathagatas, such is called Nirvana. 8 Reality has no need to debate, only the Tathagatas acquire the true Dharma, perpetually ending debate, discussion, such is called Nirvana. 9 Unproduced is real, birth is unreal, the unwise sink in the ocean of birth and death, while the true character of Tathagatas is real, such is called Nirvana. 10 Unreal Dharma has the mark of birth, while the true Dharma is not produced, and since the Dharma body of Tathagatas is real, such is called Nirvana. These are the 10 marks of saying that there is Nirvana Child of the lineage, the great bodhisattva should know this: there are 10 other marks that can explain the true meaning when the Tathagata says that there is the great Nirvana and salvation. Which are the 10? 1 Buddha knows that giving offering with skills in means, and the repercussion/result of giving offering is the lack of self being and the possession of self; towards giving offering and the consequence of giving offering, Buddha has completely eliminated all inexact discrimination, such is called Nirvana. 2 The Tathagatas skillfully know the keeping of the ordination/rules and the result of keeping the ordination is the destruction/lack of self being and the possession of self; towards the keeping of the ordination/rules and the result of keeping the ordination Buddha has completely eliminated all inexact discrimination, such is called Nirvana. 3. The Tathagatas skillfully know that patience and the result of patience is the destruction/lack of self being and the possession of self; towards patience and the result of patience Buddha has completely eliminated all inexact discrimination, such is called Nirvana. 4. The Tathagatas skillfully know that exerting effort and the result of exerting effort is the destruction/lack of self being and the possession of self; towards exerting effort and the result of exerting effort Buddha has completely eliminated all inexact discrimination, such is called Nirvana. 5. The Tathagatas skillfully know that meditation and the result of meditation is the destruction/lack of self being and the possession of self; towards meditation and the result of meditation Buddha has completely eliminated all inexact discrimination, such is called Nirvana. 6. The Tathagatas skillfully know that wisdom and the result of wisdom is the destruction/lack of self being and the possession of self; towards wisdom and the result of wisdom Buddha has completely eliminated all inexact discrimination, such is called Nirvana. 7 The Tathagatas know beings and nonbeings, methods and non-methods, Buddha has completely eliminated all inexact discrimination, such is called Nirvana. 8. Self-love leads to attachment/seeking, but seeking leads to suffering; the Tathagatas terminates all self-love, terminates the process of seeking: because of not seeking, it is called Nirvana. 9. All methods that has boundaries are finite, the Dharma/method that has the character of nonboundary is infinite; the Tathagatas leave finite, and acquire the infinite, because there is no quantity, such is called Nirvana. 10. The Tathagatas consummate that all sentient beings and Dharma are empty: Emptiness is the true Dharma body, such is called Nirvana. These are the 10 manifestations of Nirvana.
Page 15 of 175

Moreover, child of the lineage, it is not just that the Tathagata not entering Nirvana is rare, there is also 10 more rare acts of the Tathagata. Which are the 10? 1. Birth and death is sinful, while Nirvana is peaceful, empty, but Buddha acquires and recognize the equality between birth-death and Nirvana, so Buddha does not stay in birthdeath, does not abide in Nirvana, does not abandon or retire from the sentient beings. Therese are what the Tathagatas do. 2. Towards all sentient beings, the Tathagatas do not think that they are dim-witted laymen, following vile tendency and oppressed by defilement, Buddha must enlighten them and salvage them; but thanks to the might of compassion in the past, towards all sentient beings, depending on their knowledge, fancy and perception, Buddha naturally help them, point out and train them towards their own benefits and joy, without discriminating, until the limit of time, unending, these are what the Tathagatas do. 3 Buddha does not think that Buddha demonstrate the 12 components of the Dharma, benefiting sentient beings, but thanks to the might of compassion in the past, still demonstrates illustriously to sentient beings, until the limit of time, unending, these are what the Tathagatas do. 4. Buddha does not think of going to towns, villages, residential areas, to kings palaces, ministers, the 4 classes of the society to ask for alms, but thanks to the might of past training in body, speech and mind, Buddha naturally goes there, to benefit sentient beings, this is what Buddha does. 5. Buddha does not have thirst or hunger, does not excrete, thus Buddha ask for alms without consuming them; but for the benefits of sentient beings, Buddha manifests the act of eating and drinking, this is what Buddha does. 6. Buddha does not think of sentient beings as either wise or unwise, depending on their abilities to speak the Dharma; without differentiating them yet Buddha still accords to their individual levels and past causes to skillfully speak of the Dharma for them, these are what Buddha does. 7. Buddha does not think that there are people who do not respect Buddha, often speaking vile words against Buddha, such that Buddha cannot speak to them; or people who revere Buddha, often speaking words of praise to Buddha, and that Buddha can speak to them; but Buddha has the heart of compassion, all equal without two separate entities, this is what Buddha does. 8. Buddha does not have love or hate, conceit, want or any such kinds of defilement; but Buddha often likes peace, praise the lack of want/desire, keep a distant from noisy and crowded place, this is what Buddha does. 9. There is no Dharma that Buddha does not know, or does not understand completely, towards all Dharma, the scenes appear as if in front of the eyes, without discrimination, but Buddha still sees the work of sentient beings, using various means to lead them to salvation, depending on their wants, this is what Buddha does. 10. Buddha, upon seeing a rich person, does not become exalted, seeing them failing, does not worry; but when Buddha sees them do good deeds, the Great Unbounded Compassion supports them, if Buddha sees them follow wrongful views, the Great Unbounded Compassion rescues them; this is what Buddha does. Child of the lineage, you should know that Buddha has infinite such miraculous virtues and might, and this is the true form of Nirvana. While you see that Buddha enters Nirvana, this is only the adapting means; when you see Buddha leave behind relic, it is for sentient beings to revere and worship. These are all compassionate might of
Page 16 of 175

Buddha, so that if anyone makes offering to Buddhas relic, he will not be born in the 8 places where it is not convenient to practice the Dharma, will meet the Tathagata, or virtuous friends and will retain constant unremitting virtuous thought, acquire infinite merit, become quickly liberated, unrestrained and bounded by birth and death. Such miraculous virtues, you should exert great effort to practice, do not set yourself loose. The Bodhisattva Gentle Garland, having heard Buddha speak of the not-entering Nirvana and many profound miraculous virtues, hold the palms together, respectfully says, Blessed One, now I know that the great Teacher does not enter Nirvana or leave behind relic, but for the general great benefit for the sentient beings (do so). Bodhisattvas both body and mind rejoice, exuberant, saying that it is a rare event, not happened before. When this chapter on the lifespan of Buddha is finished, countless sentient beings generate the thought of the Unsurpassed, Perfect and Complete Enlightenment. The 4 Tathagatas also hide their bodies, disappear. The Bodhisattva Gentle Garland bows to Buddhas feet, stand up and walk back to the original place.
Chapter 3: Distinguishing the 3 bodies

At that time, the Bodhisattva Void Body stands up among the assembly, brings the robe to the right shoulder, kneels on the right knee, holds the palms together respectfully and bows to Buddhas feet, using a supreme umbrella decorated with banners and many kinds of exquisite golden or jade flowers to offer to the Tathagata, saying, Blessed One, how can a great bodhisattva correctly practice on the profound secret of the Tathagata? Buddha says, child of the lineage, listen carefully, Buddha will analyze and explain for you. Child of the lineage, the Tathagatas have 3 bodies, a transformed body, a corresponding body (karma?), and a Dharma body. Such 3 bodies constitute fully and completely the unsurpassed Enlightenment, if you understand it correctly, you will quickly be liberated from birth and death. Child of the lineage, how should a bodhisattva understand a transformed body? You should know that Buddha in the past, in the position of one who cultivate virtues, practice the great, magnificent dharma for the sentient beings, even until consummation. Thanks to the might and strength of the practice, Buddha acquires great freedom. Having acquired the great freedom, Buddha knows all sentient beings, their wish, their deeds, and their worlds. Then, not waiting for an opportunity, not missing an opportunity, adapting to the place, the time, the deed, all depending on these factors, Buddha speak the Dharma under various body forms, this is called the transformed body. Child of the lineage, how should a bodhisattva understand the corresponding body? You should know that Buddha wish to make the bodhisattva become well-versed, as such Buddha
Page 17 of 175

speak of the true basis, and thanks to the consummation of the oneness of Nirvana and birth-death, eliminating all fear and exultance of sentient beings who attach to self; these make up the basis for countless qualities of Buddhahood, thanks to the might of the vows corresponding to the suchness of wisdom of suchness of true cause, Buddha forms a body with 32 great noble marks and the 8 beauty traits, and behind the neck there appears a white halo, this is called the corresponding body. Child of the lineage, how should a bodhisattva understand the Dharma body? You should know that because of eliminating all obstacles that arise from defilement and the basis for knowledge, because of having the full and complete virtuous Dharma, and only having the suchness of the way of the suchness of wisdom. This is called the Dharma body. Child of the lineage, the previous 2 bodies are unreal, only the third one is real, making up the basis for the previous 2. Why? If Buddha deviates from the suchness of the way and suchness of wisdom, Buddha will not have any qualities. However, Buddhas wisdom is perfect, all defilement has been eradicated, and Buddha has acquired the position of the ultimately pure Buddhahood. Thus, suchness of the way and suchness of wisdom encompass all qualities of Buddhahood. Child of the lineage, Buddha definitely benefits self and others. Benefitting self is suchness of the way. Benefitting others is suchness of wisdom. Suchness of the way and suchness of wisdom result in freedom in benefitting self and others, accomplishing boundless miraculous goals, thus the qualities of Buddha has infinite variations. Child of the lineage, just like because of using wrongful and distracted thoughts to speak of all kinds of defilement, habits and repercussion (ripening of karma); similarly, one uses suchness of the way and suchness of wisdom to speak of the Dharma of Buddha, of Solitary Enlightened ones, Hearers. Thanks to suchness of the way and suchness of wisdom, all Buddha dharma is completed with freedom, this is the topmost phenomenon, inconceivable. Child of the lineage, just like drawing furniture in space, this is inconceivable; using suchness of the way and suchness of wisdom to consummate the qualities of Buddha is just as inconceivable. Why do suchness of the way and suchness of wisdom not discriminate and yet still accomplish all phenomenon? This is just like Buddha entering Nirvana, but thanks to the freedom of the might of vows, yet is still able to accomplish all phenomenon. suchness of the way and suchness of wisdom which are free to accomplish all phenomenon is just the same. Child of the lineage, the great bodhisattva enters the samadhi of no-mind, but thanks to the previous vows might, can awake from the Samadhi and still can accomplish all phenomenon; similarly, suchness of the way and suchness of wisdom do not discriminate, yet can still accomplish the work. Just like there is no discrimination between the sun and moon, or water and mirror, or light, but when these three factors combine, an image is formed; similarly, suchness of the way and suchness of wisdom do not discriminate, but thanks to the freedom of the might of vows, sentient beings see the corresponding body and transformed body. Child of the lineage, there are many
Page 18 of 175

water mirror that does not have an image available, but thanks to light, manifests in many different forms, but space does not have such forms. Similarly, those who accept the mainstream teachings are the image of the dharma body. Thanks to the might of the vows, the two bodies accomplish all froms, but the Dharma body has no various forms. Child of the lineage, because of the 2 bodies, the Tathagatas are known as the redundant Nirvana, because of the Dharma body, the Tathagatas are known as the non-redundant Nirvana, because anything that is redundant has been absolutely eliminated. Also, because of the 3 bodies, the Tathagatas are known as not abiding in Nirvana. The 2 bodies do not abide in Nirvana; if separated from the Dharma body, there will be no independent Buddha body. Why do the 2 bodies not abide in Nirvana, because the 2 bodies are unreal, produced and destroyed as of (by) thought, not constantly abiding, always appearing and not fixed. However, the Dharma body is not like that. Thus the 2 bodies do not abide in Nirvana, while the Dharma body is of oneness with the 2 bodies, so it also does not abide in Nirvana. Thus, according to the 3 bodies, one can say that Buddha does not abide in Nirvana. Child of the lineage, the lay person is restrained and bounded by the 3 signs, there is separation from the 3 bodies, not reaching the 3 bodies. What are the 3 signs, 1 is change, 2 is forgiveness, 3 is completion. Such 3 signs yet cannot explain what should be explained, cannot eliminate what cannot be eliminated, cannot purify what cannot be purified, thus it cannot reach the 3 bodies. If such 3 signs can explain, eliminate or purify, then they will bring to perfection the 3 bodies of Buddha. Child of the lineage, since the lay person cannot destroy the 3 mindset (perceptions), thus he is far from the 3 bodies, unable to reach them. What are the 3 mindset, 1 is argument, causing trouble for sentient beings, 2 is leaning on a basis, 3 is the basis itself. By means or way of temporary destruction, the mindset of causing trouble is destroyed, by means of eradication, the mindset of leaning on a basis is destroyed, by means of the Unsurpassed method, the mindset of basis is destroyed. When the mindset of causing trouble is destroyed, the transformed body comes into being, when the mindset of leaning on a basis is destroyed, the correspondent body comes into being, when the mindset of a basis is destroyed, the dharma body is formed. Thus, the Tathagata completes the 3 bodies. Child of the lineage, as of the first body, the Tathagatas share the same work, as of the second body, the Tathagatas share the same wish, as of the third body, the Tathagatas share the same nature and character. Child of the lineage, the first body of the Tathagata has many forms, because the sentient beings have many forms, thus this body is called plenty. The second body of the Tathagata, the opinion of the Disciple is of one form, thus it appears as one form, thus this body is called one. The third body of Buddha surpasses all forms, not belonging to the field/area of forms, thus this body is not one, not different.
Page 19 of 175

Child of the lineage, the first body depends on the correspondent body to manifest, the second body depends on the Dharma body, and the third body is real, and does not require a support. Child of the lineage, such 3 bodies can be said to have the meaning of permanence, it can also have the meaning of impermanence. The Transformed body often turns the wheel of Dharma, depending on the circumstances and causes, incessant means, not terminated, thus it is called permanent; however, it is not the basis, the full greatness of the qualities is not manifest, thus it is called impermanence. The body from endless time until now continues without ceasing, and able to hold all special qualities of Buddha, since sentient beings are infinite, the miraculous means and practice is also infinite, thus it is called permanent; but it is not the basis, and the full and complete means is not manifest, thus it is called impermanent. The Dharma body does not have a boundary, does not have various different forms, but it is the basis in itself, just like space, thus it is called permanent. Child of the lineage, if one leaves the suchness of wisdom, there will no longer be present the supreme knowledge and wisdom, if one leaves the suchness of the way, there will no longer be present the supreme scene (seeing in the past and future, not just present). At one side is the suchness of the Dharma, at the other side is the suchness of wisdom, such 2 sides of suchness are suchness, not one, not separate. Thus, for the Dharma body, the wisdom becomes purified, and elimination is purified, thanks to these two purifications, the Dharma body is completely purified. Child of the lineage, there are 4 differences in distinguishing the 3 bodies: there is the transformed body and not the correspondent body, there is the correspondent body without (and not) the transformed body, there is the transformed body which is also the correspondent body, there is one which is neither the transformed body nor the correspondent body. What is the transformed body but not the correspondent body, this means that even when Buddha has already entered into Nirvana, yet thanks to the free might of vows, still benefit sentient beings depending on the circumstances. What is the correspondent body but not the transformed body, it is the body that is seen by the bodhisattva in the 10 grounds. What is the transformed body but also the correspondent body, this is the body in the redundant Nirvana (hu d). What is not transformed body, and also not the correspondent body, it is exactly the dharma body. Child of the lineage, such Dharma body is manifest by the 2 nonbelonging. What are the 2 non-belongings, it is that in the dharma body the attachment to the self and to the dharma is all emptiness, not have, not not-have, not one, not two separate entity, unquantifiable, not surpassing quantity, not wise, not dim-witted, just like that, suchness of wisdom does not see an attachment to the self or to the dharma, does not see that which does not have or not not-have, even not seeing not wise or not dim-witted, thus you should know the purity of the scene and purity of wisdom is indistinguishable, not in between; it provides a ground for the basis of destruction (of suffering?) and the basis of the means (way to do so), as
Page 20 of 175

such, the dharma body has the full ability to manifest all types of work of the Tathagatas Child of the lineage, as for this body, the self, elements, environment, objects, results, all rely on the basis (of suchness), and it is inconceivable. If you understand this meaning, you will know too that this body is the great vehicle, the character of the Tathagata, the embryo of the Tathagata. If you rely on this body, the mind of the position of newly generated enlightenment and the mind of the position of cultivating virtues, the mind of the position of irreversibility, the mind of the position of bodhisattva becoming Buddha in one more future life, the mind of the position of Vajra, the mind of the position of Buddhahood all appear, countless and infinite exquisite qualities of the Tathagata also appear. Child of the lineage, relying on the Dharma body, one can complete the great Samadhi and the great wisdom, and as such the transformed body which relies on the great Samadhi and the corresponding body replying on the great wisdom all are fulfilled. Such Dharma body, from Its own self being is said to be permanent and self; from Its great Samadhi, It is said to be joy; from Its great wisdom, It is said to be pure. As such, the Tathagatas is always abiding, free, joyful and pure. Thanks to the great Samadhi, all types of meditation, the Surugama Samadhi, and all equal Samadhi, all areas of chanting, the great methods of chanting and all equal chanting area, great compassion, all Dharani and magical abilities, all free and equal, all such Buddha Dharma are accomplished. Thanks to the great wisdom, the 10 powers, 4 fearless, 4 eloquence, 180 separate methods, all such inconceivable methods are accomplished. Just as the wish jewel able to let appear many kinds of precious jades, similarly, thanks to the jewel of the great meditation and great wisdom, infinite miraculous methods of the Tathagatas appear Child of the lineage, the dharma body is as such, and the great meditation, great wisdom of It surpass all definition, not bounded to any definition, indistinguishable, impermanent, uninterrupted, this is called the middle way; though separate and different, the character does not separate nor does it differ, though there are 3 in number, but the character is not 3, does not increase or decrease, just like a dream and illusion that does not have the ability to be bounded to the concept of a basis; it is the suchness of the dharmakaya, the realm of liberation, surpassing all realms of the king of death, even surpassing the darkness of birth and death, it is the place where sentient beings cannot cultivate and reach at (using their own definition), it is the dwelling place of Buddha and bodhisattvas Child of the lineage, just like a person who wants to have some gold, he looks for it everywhere and finds a gold mine. He then strikes at it and chooses the more refined part, to be put to a refinery and make pure gold, using this gold to make various jewelry. Though there are different kinds of jewelry, the nature of gold remains the same. As such, child of the lineage, anyone who wants to liberate himself from the world, and cultivate virtues within the sphere and boundary of the world, then he will
Page 21 of 175

see the Tathagatas, and the Disciples, having seen them, they ask, Blessed One, which is virtue? Which is sin? What is cultivating virtues and acquiring the purity of practice? The Tathagatas and the Disciples, having heard that person ask, think, this person wishes to acquire purity, and wish to listen to the Dharma. Thinking so, they speak to him and make him understand. That person listens and keeps it in mind, initiates the mind of cultivating virtues and acquires the strength of exerting effort, eliminating all obstacles that are caused by indulgence, destroying all sins. Towards the realm of Dharma, they steer away from all disrespect, stopping all activities and regret, thus they enter the first ground. Since the mind of this first ground eliminates all obstacles preventing one from benefiting sentient beings, the second ground is attained. Since the mind of this second ground eliminates all obstacles of causing troubles to sentient beings, the third ground is attained. Since the mind of this third ground eliminates all obstacles towards a pure and gentle mind, the fourth ground is attained. Since the mind of this third ground eliminates all obstacles towards skillful means, the fifth ground is attained. In the fifth ground, one eliminates the obstacle of seeing that the noble path and the worldly path oppose each other (antagonistic), thus the sixth ground is attained. In the sixth ground, one eliminates the obstacle of seeing the presence of forms of practice, thus the seventh ground is attained. In the seventh ground, one eliminates the obstacle caused by not seeing the destruction, thus the eighth ground is attained. In the eighth ground, one eliminates the obstacle caused by not seeing birth, thus the ninth ground is attained. In the ninth ground, one eliminates the obstacle towards the 6 understanding, thus the tenth ground is attained. In the tenth ground, one eliminates the obstacle caused by ignorance towards the method of the basis of knowledge, thus the Tathagata ground is attained. The Tathagatahood is ultimate pure because It has 3 purities. Which are the 3? One is the purity attained from eliminating all defilement, two is purity from eliminating all suffering, and three is purity attained from eliminating all habits. Just like gold that is melted in a refinery; after it is refined, it no longer has any impurities, which proves that gold is pure in nature, not that there is no gold. Just like impure water that is filtered becomes free of impurities, which shows that the nature of water is pure, not that there is no water. Similarly, the Dharma body is free from all defilement; when suffering and the causes of suffering have been eradicated, there is no more habits left. This proves that the Dharma body is originally pure, not that there is no nature and character. Just like void air rendered foggy by dust, when this smog has been swept away, the air becomes pure, not that there is no air; the Dharma body is just like that, when all sufferings have been eradicated, it is called pure, not that there is no nature or character of the Dharma body. Just like a person who dreams that he has been swept away by the flood, thus he uses both his hands and feet to swim over, and manages to reach to the other shore, that is thanks to both his mind and body not slacking, not receding. When he awakes from his dream, he no longer sees any water, nor does he see this shore or that shore, but it does not mean that there is no mind: When the ignorant, distracted thought about birth and death is eliminated, wisdom becomes pure and bright, not that there is no wisdom. As such, when there is the Dharma body, all distracted thought no longer
Page 22 of 175

arises, thus it is called pure, not that the Tathagatas do not have a real character/body. Moreover, child of the lineage, the dharma body purifies obstacles of defilement (hoc chng), thus it manifests itself as the corresponding body, purifies obstacles of habits and manifests as the corresponding body, purifies obstacles towards wisdom and manifests as the Dharma body. Just as in space there appears lightning, from lightning appears light; similarly, the dharma body manifests and causes the appearance of the corresponding body, the corresponding body manifests the transformed body. Thanks to a clear and pure form, the Dharma body manifests itself, thanks to clear wisdom, the corresponding body is manifest, thanks to the clarity of meditation, the transformed body is manifest. Such 3 purities are the suchness of the nature of Dharma, suchness of non-different, suchness of oneness, suchness of liberation, suchness of salvation, hence, the character and form of the Tathagatas is of the same kind, no difference. Child of the lineage, if anyone says that the Tathagata is my great Teacher, resolutely believing so, that person, in the deepest mind, understands the Dharma body of the Tathagatas as indistinguishable. And child of the lineage, as such, towards all methods, that person eliminates all incorrect thought process, and knows that the Dharmas are not two (separate borders), indistinguishable, the character of a Saint who cultivates virtue. Towards the method, correctly cultivate the concept of not having any two sides, in the same way and to the same effect, the obstacles are removed; the person removes the obstacles in the same way as when he ultimately purifies suchness of the method and suchness of wisdom; the person ultimately purifies suchness of the method and suchness of wisdom in the same way as when he accomplish all freedom, completely and extensively. The true sign of suchness of wisdom and suchness of the way is the removal of and filtering out all obstacles. If a person recognizes it as such, this is the seeing of a saint, and thus is called truly seeing the Tathagata, why, since this is seeing the suchness of the way of the Dharma, just as It is. As such, a Tathagata knows all other Tathagatas, while the Disciples and Solitary Enlightened being sublime all three realms, but cannot see suchness of the way, even though they wish to. Even Saints are unable to see, no need to speak of lay people, who cast doubts on, distinguish wrongly, and unable to reach there. This is no different from a rabbit trying to swim across the great sea, since the strength of the rabbit is too feeble, the lay people are the same, they are unable to consummate suchness of the way of the Dharma. On the other hand, the Tathagatas distinguish supremely, thus are able to acquire the great freedom towards all Dharma, acquiring fully all pure and profound wisdom; that is the realm of the Tathagatas, and not together with any other person. As such, we know that the Tathagatas in countless eons do not spare their own lives, undergoing hard and difficult conditions to cultivate virtues, and hence able to acquire the supreme body, unsurpassed, inconceivable, surpassing the realm of language, peaceful, miraculous and free from all fear.
Page 23 of 175

As such, child of the lineage, if one is able to see the suchness of the theory of the Dharma, he will not be born, will not age or die, having infinite longevity, not sleep or rest, not thirst or hunger, the mind often deep in meditation, not shifting or distracted. If one tries to debate with the Tathagatas, that is not seeing the Tathagatas. Whatever the Tathagatas speak, there is benefit, whoever listens will be liberated, and thanks to hearing the Dharma, he will obtain endless benefits, even vicious birds, voracious beasts, evil people or demons will not come across them. However, the Tathagatas do not have the not remembering (v k), not having the wish to know all Dharma (yet still know), not having the thought that birth-death and Nirvana differ. Whatever the Tathagatas proclaim are all certain. All actions of the Tathagatas are with wisdom, all works are filled with compassion, there is none which does not benefit the sentient beings. Child of the lineage, towards this Sutra of Golden Light, any sons or daughters of the lineage who hear, trust and understand, that person will not fall into hell, or become pretas, animals, asura; that person will often be born in human and devas world, but not lowly place, often meeting the Tathagatas, listen to and accept the Dharma, and born in the pure world of the Tathagata: all this is thanks to being able to listen to this very profound Dharma. Sons or daughters of the lineage like this are known by the Tathagatas and will be recognized as irreversible from supreme Enlightenment. Anyone in whose ear this profound Sutra fall upon, that person does not speak ill of Buddha, nor destroy the Dharma or despise the Sangha. That person helps others who have not sown roots of virtues do so, and those who have already done so they help them mature and increase such roots of virtue. They encourage everyone in all kinds of worlds to practice according to the 6 paramitas. At this time, the bodhisattva Void air body, Brahma king, Indra, the Four great Kings, devas, from their seats stand up, bare the right shoulder, respectfully hold their palms together, and bow to the Tathagatas feet, and say, Blessed One, wherever there is this great sutra the Golden Light, that nation has 4 kinds of benefits. 1 The royal army is strong, not facing any enemies, the king and the citizens are free from sickness, enjoy good health and longevity, peaceful and auspicious, making Buddha Dharma prosper. 2 The royal family and ministers are peaceful with each other, staying away from flatter; the king also has high regard for them. 3 Monks and the citizens practice Buddhism, free from sickness, peaceful, no one suffers from sudden death, cultivating rich fields of virtues. 4 Day and night the body enjoys good circulation, balanced; the devas also keep and protect them, the mind of compassion, equality, without hurt or harm, making everyone respect the Three Jewel, everyone cultivate the Bodhi practice. Such are the 4 benefits. Blessed One, we will often observe the people who practice and uphold this Sutra, wherever they are we will bring great benefits to them, all to help spread this Sutra. The Blessed One says, how benign, children of the lineage, you should follow just what you have said. If you exert efforts to spread this king of Sutra, you at the same time make the Buddha Dharma abides long in the world.
Page 24 of 175
Chapter 4: The sound from the Golden Drum

At this time, the Bodhisattva Gentle Garland, having heard His Dharma, rejoices and becomes jubilant, one-mindedly thinking about It and returns home. In that night, bodhisattva dreams of a huge golden drum, it glitters just like the sun. In that light, bodhisattva sees the Tathagatas in the ten directions, all sitting on lapis altars under jaded trees, surrounded by the assemblies with numerous beings. Bodhisattva also sees a Brahmin use a stick to hit that golden drum, making great sound. This sound speaks of wondrous verses, of the methods of repentance. The Bodhisattva Gentle Garland keeps it in mind, recalling it just as if bodhisattva has just heard it. When the day comes bodhisattva together with hundreds of thousands of people bring alms and leave the Rajagriha city, arrive at the Vultures peak, to where the Tathagata is. Bodhisattva bows to Buddhas feet, displays the flowers and incense, walks around the Tathagata 3 times, and sit to one side, respectfully holds the palms together, regarding the body form of the Tathagata and says, Blessed One, in the past night, I saw a Brahmin use a stick to hit a drum made of pure gold, very pleasing to the eyes, emitting great sound. The sound speaks of great verses, explaining the method of repentance. Having heard it, I keep it all in mind. Blessed One, please allow me to recount. Towards the Tathagata, bodhisattva Gentle Garland speaks of the following verse. In the past night I dreamed of a golden drum Very great and beautiful The whole body of the drum Emits golden light rays Just like the sun Such light rays Illuminate everywhere Of the world in the 10 directions Making all see the Tathagatas Under the jaded trees Buddha sit together On lapis Altars There are thousands of people All very respectfully surrounding The Tathagatas One Brahmin holds a stick To hit the golden drum
Page 25 of 175
Emitting great sound And the sound coming from the drum Speaks of the following Miraculous verses Resounding everywhere Throughout the great worlds Eliminating very heavy sins In the three evil realms

Together with many sufferings Of mankind The might of the sound Coming from the golden drum Eliminates all defilement and obstacles Eliminates too fear Making one rejoice Just like the free Sakyamuni Just in the place Of birth and death The Tathagata cultivate virtues And become the allknowing Making sentient beings Have wholesome bodies And be liberated towards The sea of merits The drum emits great miraculous sounds Anyone who hears it Acquires the sound of the profound Brahma And then attains The great Unsurpassed Enlightenment Often revolving the wheel of DharmaPure and miraculous Also acquires inconceivable longevity Speaking the Dharma depending on circumstances To benefit sentient beings, Sever the river of numerous causes of suffering All defilements are also eliminated Those who are in very evil ways The great conflagration Covers the whole body Having heard of the sound From the golden drum Will immediately be liberated from suffering And take refuge in the Buddha And then acquires The vision of ones past lives Able to recall the past For hundreds of thousands of lives Also remember the Great Muni And the great Dharma of Buddha Thanks to having heard The sound from the golden drum That person will stay near The Tathagatas Often abandoning all evil deeds And cultivate the pure and virtuous methods All sentient beings Human and devas, Who sincerely wish for anything Having heard of the sound Coming from the golden drum Will be granted according to their wishes Anyone who falls into The Ceaseless hell, Firing blazing and burning the whole body
Page 26 of 175

And those who are helpless Having heard the sound from the golden drum All suffering vanishes Human and devas Together with other kinds Anyone who are suffering From various torment Having heard the sound from the golden drum, They will be free from suffering And be liberated I pray that the Tathagatas Currently residing in the world In the ten directions Please think of me With Your mind of great compassion Anyone who is without a refuge, shelter And is helpless I vow to become their great support In the past I have done Many evil deeds Which include heavy sins Today, towards the Tathagatas I wholeheartedly repent all I did not trust the Tathagatas Also not respecting parents or elders Not diligent in cultivating Many roots of virtues Thus I often created Much evil fruit I have prided myself In being noble and wealthy Social status and lineage Materials and positions In youth and strength Squandering much money for luxury As such I have created Many evil karma The mind often thinks of evil thoughts The speech is also malevolent Not seeing any fault As such I often committed Many evil deeds I have often done the kinds of work Of the layperson Ignorance and confusion Following bad companions As such I often committed Many evil deeds Or when I indulged myself Or when depressed and down Lust, anger All entangled inside me As such I often committed Many evil deeds Keep company with the bad Tight-fisted, jealousy Flatter and deceive As such I often committed Many evil deeds There were also times
Page 27 of 175

When I did not delight in evils But because of fear And I was ordered about As such I often committed Many evil deeds Or because of enthusiasm Or vengeful, thirst or hunger All tormenting me As such I often committed Many evil deeds For food and clothing And lust in women Or the fire of defilement Burning and scorching As such I often committed Many evil deeds Towards Buddha Dharma and Sangha I did not revere As such I often committed Such evil deeds as above Today I wish to repent Solitary Enlightened beings, bodhisattva I did not respect As such I often committed Such evil deeds Today I wish to repent Deprecating the Buddha Dharma Not filial to parents Many evil deeds Today I wish to repent all Because of ignorance and conceit Greed and anger I often committed Such evil deeds The supreme Sutra Today I wish to repent everything In all worlds Making offering to countless Tathagatas I vow to help all sentient beings And liberate them from all sufferings Praying that all sentient beings Will stand on the 10 grounds Anyone who has committed heavy sins For hundreds of thousands of lives Yet if they repent All wickedness will be purified Following exactly as written in the Golden Light sutra And repent
Page 28 of 175
Accomplishing the great merit and wisdom Having become the Tathagatas To lead all ignorant sentient beings I will do difficult practice For sentient beings Hundreds of thousands of lives I will use the great power of wisdom To help them cross over the sea of suffering I will speak of the Golden Light sutra For the benefits of the sentient beings
Capable of eliminating all wickedness

All wickedness will soon be eliminated Wickedness that causes one to suffer Hundreds of thousands of Supreme meditation Inconceivable, 5 roots, 5 powers The 7 limbs of wisdom 8 limbs of the saint way 37 methods I vow to regularly practice Without fatigue And I will arrive at The 10 grounds of the bodhisattva Where there is sufficiently All precious things Consummating all qualities of Tathagatahood Salvaging sentient beings Helping them cross the sea of birth-death Towards the sea The position of Buddha And the cache of profound merits Miraculous wisdom Inconceivable I vow to accomplish fully I pray that the Tathagatas In the 10 directions Will support me With the heart of great compassion Accept and consider My repentance In countless eons I have committed evil deeds Because of that wickedness Suffering arises In the past and present I pray that the Tathagatas will consider And let me purify all such wickedness Since I have committed evil deeds Terror will be born In all actions- walk, stand, sit or lie down I have never had A single moment of happiness I whole-heartedly wish to reveal and repent Pray that they will be purified And I will refrain from All future wickedness Not letting such thought arise If I violate this vow I will never dare to hide The body has 3 habits Speech has 4 habits
Page 29 of 175
The compassionate Tathagatas Who eliminate all fear for the sentient beings Please accept and allow me to repent So that I will be free from fear I have sufficient all karma and obstacles Together with the fruit that comes from it I pray for the Tathagatas To use the water of great compassion And wash it cleanly Great evil deeds I have done

Thought has 3 habits Tying sentient beings Since countless ages up till now Ceaseless Through body, speech and thought The ten non-virtuous acts are carried out Such wickedness has many forms Today I hope to repent all The wickedness that I have done In the future I will have to face Unpleasant results (no repentance) Today, in front of the Tathagatas I whole-heartedly repent everything The great Jambudvipa world And all the worlds in it I now rejoice with all of its virtuous deeds Vowing to abandon the 10 non-virtuous deeds And complete the 10 virtuous deeds Abiding in the 10 grounds Often seeing the Tathagatas All merits and wisdom That I have acquired Through my body, speech and mind I will utilize such roots of virtue To quickly reach the Unsurpassed Enlightenment Now I in front of the Tathagatas I sincerely repent Many types of obstacles: The obstacle of ignorance Loving the 3 realms The obstacle that causes heavy evil results The obstacle of accumulating Lust, wrong views The obstacles of greed for love Which often flow incessantly The obstacle of love and attachment to the present world The obstacle of the layperson defilements The obstacle of thoughtlessness, Rash acts and depravity The obstacle of having bad companions The obstacle of loving The place of birth-death The obstacle of anger and ignorance Ignorance as the root The obstacle of being born In the 8 inconvenient places The obstacle of not accumulating the roots of virtues Now I towards the great Tathagatas Repent countless such wickedness Now I take refuge in the Tathagatas I bow down to the ones Whose sea of virtue is unsurpassed
Page 30 of 175

You, like the great golden mountain Shining to everywhere Please have the compassion to aid me The body of Buddha shines forth brightly The color of golden light The eyes of Buddha is like The blue lapis The Auspicious one Who has special might and virtues You take the sun of compassion To ward off the darkness For countless sentient beings Buddha is like the sun Shining everywhere Clear, bright and not tarnished Free from all dust and blemish Buddha is like the moon Shining forth cooling light Shining away the heat
Page 31 of 175
Of all defilement 32 good marks Solemn body form 80 auxiliary signs The whole body perfect Great merits and virtues, inconceivable Just like the sun Shining the whole world The radiance from the body Is just like the transparent lapis Also like the full moon The body has a golden color And nets of crystal Which shines forth with many colors In the waterfall of birthdeath and suffering Old age and sickness Swirling the sentient beings around Such a great sea can hardly be endured The sun of a Tathagata Shines and dries it all up I bow to the One
Whose wisdom is complete The rarest among the great worlds One with golden color Shining brightly The one who is decorated With many beauties You are like the ocean Vast, hard to know You are like the earth Hard to know the number of dust You are like the great mountain Hard to know the weight You are like space The boundary of which is hard to know A Tathagata is as such The sentient beings can hardly know The more one thinks, the more one realizes Even in countless ages It is hard to know The shore of a Tathagatas virtues

Crushing the whole world The mathematics of knowing the miniscule The mathematics of knowing droplets Of the whole ocean The amount of virtues of a Tathagata Is hard to know All sentient beings Together praise the renowned qualities The pure and good body form Miraculous solemnity of the Tathagata Yet is impossible to know The limit Many kinds of roots of virtues That I have sown I vow to quickly become The great, Unsurpassed Speaking the Dharma in many forms Benefit all sentient beings Liberating them from suffering Defeating the army of Mara Having great power Turning the wheel of the supreme Dharma Abiding on earth for a very long time I will use the dew of immortality To invigorate the sentient beings Just like in the past The Supreme Ones Have consummated all the 6 paramitas Destroying lust, anger and ignorance Eliminating defilement And all suffering I pray to have the knowledge of previous lives Remembering the past For hundreds of thousands of lives Especially remembering The great Muni Able to listen to His profound Dharma
Page 32 of 175
Pray that I will use Such roots of virtue To serve countless Tathagatas Abandoning all bad deeds Often cultivating virtues The true Dharma Making all sentient In all kinds of worlds Forever liberated from suffering And fulfill their happiness All those who have imperfect senses Will be made whole Anyone who experience suffering Because of illness Having a weak and feeble body Without a place of refuge I will make them free from sickness And have good health and body forms Also sufficient with all Anyone who transgress the law

About to be executed Tortured by suffering Tormented by fear When they are in such a great state of fear Having no one to rely on I will help them When they are beaten Bound and chained All kinds of instruments Tormenting the body In such countless fears Occupying the mind Without a moment of reprieve I will help them Liberate them from All instruments that torment them If they are about to be executed I help them protect their lives All other kinds of suffering Will be exhausted permanently Any sentient beings Who are struck with hunger and thirst I will help them experience All kinds of enjoyable tastes Let the blind be able to see The deaf to hear The lame to walk The speech-defect to speak Anyone who is poor Acquire treasures Not wanting in any aspects I make them enjoy The supreme joy No one else will have to suffer From pain and anguish Everyone becomes pleasing to the eye Honorable appearance and gait Also solemn and orderly Everyone enjoys happiness Having a vivid lifestyle Sufficient with all merits and virtues Up to their wish When they think of music Magnificent music is played When they think of water Cool water appears in a lake And in that lake There appear golden lotus blossoms Depending on the sentient beings Whatever they think of They will be satisfied in all Food and furniture With gold and jade All kinds of lapis And strings of pearls, jewel garlands All sufficient Also making sentient beings Become free from hearing vicious voices Also not seeing anything that is against ones will The appearance that they will all acquire
Page 33 of 175

Will be all solemn And towards one another They think of compassion Any instrument that is necessary for life Appear upon thought Gold and jade they have acquired They share to all sentient beings All that they need Without the regret All kinds of perfume and flowers Fall down from trees 3 times a day Which they will enjoy upon will The heart full of joy I vow for all sentient beings To be able to make offering To the great Tathagatas In the worlds in the 10 directions Making offering to the Miraculous Dharma Accomplishing the 3 bright vehicles Making offering to the Saintly beings With all Bodhisattvas, Hearers and Solitary Enlightened ones I pray that all sentient beings Will not fall into mean and humble places The eight inconvenient places Often born as human And able to cultivate Often serving the Tathagatas I pray that sentient beings Will be born in rich households Properties and treasures All become sufficient and full The body forms and reputation Are among everyone peerless The lifespan reaching countless ages I pray that sentient beings Females will be reborn as males Intelligent and strong Endowed with great wisdom and capabilities And all will walk on the path Of the Bodhisattva Which is cultivating in the 6 paramitas I pray that sentient beings Will frequently see the Tathagatas Residing in the Altars Beneath the jaded trees The Lion Altars Made of lapis Often listening to Buddha Revolving the Wheel of Dharma Past and present If I am reborn in the 3 worlds Creating non-virtuous deeds Possibly reaping unpleasant results I pray that they will all be purified
Page 34 of 175

Without exception In the sea, there are countless beings Who are bounded by the net of birth and death I pray that I will cut that net for them Using the sword of wisdom Making them quickly leave birth-death And acquire the unsurpassed wisdom The great Jambudvipa world Or other worlds The sentient beings in there Those who create many good roots of virtues I now vow to rejoice in all those roots Pray, I will use such act of rejoicing And many kinds of virtuous deeds Of the body, speech and mind To nurture such good roots Often acquiring the great wisdom All roots of virtues acquired from Making offering and praising The virtues of the Tathagatas With the profound mind Extremely pure, spotless I will dedicate And make a vow Thanks to that, I will surpass the evil ways For sixty eons If there is any son or daughter of the lineage Or other royalties Such as Brahmin Who whole-heartedly hold their palms together And praise the Buddha As such, wherever they are born They can recall their previous lives Having perfect senses And complete body All accomplishing the supreme merits In the future, wherever they are born Human and devas will often Regard them with respect That person has already cultivated roots of virtue Not just in one Buddha, or ten Buddha Thanks to which they can now listen To this method of repentance They must have cultivated roots of virtue In hundreds of thousands of Buddha As such, they now listen To this miraculous method of repentance
At this time, the Tathagata having listened to these verses, applauded the Bodhisattva Gentle Garland, saying How benign, child of the lineage, the sound issuing from the golden drum that you dreamed of, has praised the qualities of the Tathagatas and the method of repentance. Whoever hears this sound creates much
Page 35 of 175

merit. This sound benefits greatly for the sentient beings, eliminating their obstacles. You should know that this supreme occasion arises from your habits of praising the Tathagatas and repenting, it is also thanks to the sustaining might of the Tathagatas. That cause, the Tathagata will now speak of At this time, the entire assembly hears this, everyone rejoices and accept, and practice accordingly
Chapter 5 Eliminating obstacles

At this time, the Tathagatas in the place of correct distinction, entering the profound meditation, from the hair pores emit great light of many colors. The world of the Buddha all appear in there, even as numerous as not calculable. That light also reaches the world in the age full of the 5 impurities. The sentient beings in there who have done the 10 non-virtuous acts, the 5 Ceaseless crimes, disparaging the Three Jewel, not filial to parents, disrespecting the Elders and Brahmin, they should have gone to hell, worlds of pretas or animals, however, they see the light emitting from the Tathagatas to where they are. Having seen that light, then thanks to the might of that light, they acquire joy, perfect body forms, solemn merits of wisdom, being able to see the Tathagatas. At this time, Indra, the devas sons and daughters, the Ganges river goddess, together with other beings, thanks to the rare event of the light of the Tathagatas reaching them, together they go to where the Blessed One is, walk around the Tathagatas 3 times, then step back, each one stands to one side. At this time, Indra, in obeisance to the might of the Tathagata, stands up from his seat, let bare the right arm, kneel down the right knee, hold the palms together and say, Blessed One, how can a son or daughter of the lineage pray for the Unsurpassed Enlightenment, cultivate according to the great vehicle, and convert others who have wrongful views? Those who have created non-virtuous acts, how can they repent to eliminate the obstacles? The Blessed One says to Indra, how benign, child of the lineage, the fact that you ask this question is in truth cultivating virtues, wanting to purify and liberate countless sentient beings. You have pity for the world, benefiting all. Child of the lineage, those who commit non-virtuous deeds because of obstacles should exert themselves, day and night 6 times, let bare the right arm, kneel down the right knee, hold the palms together respectfully, of one-minded attention, with well-versed speech, saying, I prostrate and take refuge in the Tathagatas in the 10 directions, Those who have acquired the unsurpassed Enlightenment, revolve the miraculous wheel of Dharma, the luminescent wheel of Righteousness (Dharma), let down rains of the great Dharma, sound the great drums of Dharma, blow the drums of Dharma, hang the banner of the great Dharma, hold the torch of the great Dharma, for the benefits of
Page 36 of 175

sentient beings often practicing the offering of the Dharma, instructing those who are confused to take a stride forward, allowing them to acquire great merits, often in bliss. Blessed Ones as mentioned, I now use my body, speech and mind to bow down in homage. Blessed Ones as above, use the true sense of wisdom, the true eyes, the true verification, the true equality to know and see all virtuous and nonvirtuous acts of the sentient beings. Since the past immemorial time until now, I flow with the stream of sins, and create many non-virtuous obstacles with the sentient beings, bounded by greed, anger and ignorance. When I did not know the Buddha, the Dharma or the Sangha, not knowing virtue and non-virtue, I committed the 5 Ceaseless crimes with my body, speech and mind, these included causing the Buddha to bleed, disparaging the Dharma, causing division within the Sangha, harming the Arahat and parents; with the 3 body (acts committed by the body), 4 speech, 3 kinds of thought, I committed the 10 non-virtuous acts, either by doing them myself, or encourage others to do, or rejoice with the person committing such deeds; towards those who are benign, I rudely disparage, I also use deceitful means of measuring (goods), thinking the wrong as right, offering spoiled food to others; towards my parents in many lives who abide in the 6 realms, I cause harm to them; towards the properties of the Stupas, of the Sangha in the 4 directions, of the present Sangha, I steal and take away, using these properties according to my own will and intention.; towards the rules and the Dharma of the Tathagatas, I did not want to follow and practice, I did not obey the Elders instruction, seeing those who travel on the vehicle of Hearer, Solitary Enlightened being, or the Great vehicle, I disparage and cause them troubles; seeing those who are better than me, I envy and hate, I did not want to give (offer) either properties or Dharma, I let ignorance block myself, I was confused by wrongful views, I did not cultivate good roots of virtue, yet increase non-virtue; I disparage even the Tathagatas, whatever is righteous, I declare unrighteous, and what is unrighteous, righteous. All such crimes, the Tathagatas use the true wisdom, the true eye, the true verification, the true equality, to know and see all. Thus, today I bow down in homage. Towards the Tathagatas, I do not wish to hide. The crimes I have yet to commit, I do not dare to, the ones I have committed, I ask to repent. The obstacles that would cause me to fall into the 8 inconvenient places, the obstacles that I am creating now, I pray and ask to eliminate them all. All such obstacles and karma I ask to not receive in my future lives. Just like the great bodhisattvas in the past who have cultivate the Bodhi virtues, they have repented on all their obstacles, similarly, I wish to repent on all my obstacles. I reveal them all, and do not wish to hide. The acts that I have done, I pray to eliminate them, those that I have not done, I vow to not commit them. Just like the great bodhisattvas in the past who have cultivate the Bodhi virtues, they have repented on all their obstacles, similarly, I wish to repent on all my obstacles. I reveal them all, and do not wish to hide. The acts that I have done, I pray to eliminate them, those that I have not done, I vow to not commit them. Just like the great bodhisattvas in the past who have cultivate the Bodhi virtues, they have repented on all their obstacles, similarly, I wish to repent on all my obstacles. I reveal them all, and do not
Page 37 of 175

wish to hide. The acts that I have done, I pray to eliminate them, those that I have not done, I vow to not commit them. Child of the lineage, like the methods above, if one has fault in even in a fraction of second, one should not hide, no need to speak of a day, a night or more. Whoever wants to purify the non-virtuous acts that they have done should feel ashamed, believing that there will be bad results in the future, they fearfully repent. Just like a person who caught fire in their hair or clothes, he should immediately extinguish the flames; if the fire is not extinguished, that person cannot rest comfortable. The person who commits non-virtuous deeds should also quickly repent. If one wants to be born in a rich household, having much property, or generate the thought of cultivating the great vehicle, one should also repent to eliminate obstacles. If one wants to be born in a noble Brahmin family or Sat de loi, the family of a Wheel Turning King with the 7 kinds of human, animals and treasures, one should also repent to eliminate obstacles. Child of the lineage, if one wants to be born in the 4 Heavenly King Heaven, Heaven of the 33, Yama Heaven, Tushita Heaven, Lac bien hoa Heaven, Tha hoa tu tai Heaven, one should also repent to eliminate obstacles. If one wants to be born in the Brahma Heaven, Phan phu Heaven, Great Brahma Heaven; Heaven of Lesser Light, Infinite Light heaven, Absolute pure light heaven, Lesser purity Heaven, Infinite purity Heaven, Transforming purity Heaven; Cloudless heaven, Heaven of creating (having created?) merit, Great fruit Heaven, Heaven of No Defilement, Heaven of No Heat, Heaven of Appearing Benign signs, Heaven of Seeing Benevolence, Sac cuu canh (Highest) heaven, one should also repent to eliminate obstacles. Child of the lineage, if one wants to acquire the fruit of Stream Entry, Once-Returner, Non-Returner, Arahat, one should also repent to eliminate obstacles. If one wants to acquire the 3 knowledge, 6 well-versed, Hearer, Solitary Enlightened one, Free Bodhi, even to the highest ground, the Supreme World knowledge wisdom, Pure wisdom, Inconceivable wisdom, Unmoving wisdom, Unsurpassed wisdom, one should also repent to eliminate obstacles. Why is that so? Child of the lineage, the reason is that all methods of creation is mutual; the Tathagata has said that when one element (occasion) is produced, another is destroyed, because of the different element (when repentance is produced, obstacles are eliminated). As such, if one has the non-virtuous method, one can eliminate (by repentance), thus there is no obstacle left; the virtuous Dharma that is yet to be produced will now be produced (by repentance), as such, the obstacles are no longer produced. Child of the lineage, the reason is that all methods are Empty; the Tathagata has said that there is no self, no sentient beings who act (khng ng nhn chng sinh th gi), unproduced, undestroyed, not even the act of repentance. Child of the lineage, all methods rely on the basis (suchness), as such it cannot be described, because the basis of suchness surpasses all state of production and destruction. Any son or daughter of the lineage who can enter this miraculous knowledge, and able to trust and believe, it is having no beings yet having a basis (khng chng sinh m c cn bn)- Because of this reason one speaks of the method of repentance, eliminating obstacles.
Page 38 of 175

Child of the lineage, anyone who accomplishes these 4 methods will perpetually and purely eliminate obstacles. 1. Not giving rise to non-virtuous thoughts, achieving mindfulness, 2. Not disparaging the profound knowledge, way. 3. Towards the bodhisattvas who have just walked on the vehicle, that person also generate the thought of One and Supreme world wisdom mind (Nht th tr tm). 4. Towards the sentient beings, also generate the thought of the 4 Infinite mind. These are the 4 methods. The Tathagata speaks the following verses. One-mindedly keeping (in control) the 3 habits (speech body mind) Not disparaging the miraculous Dharma Thinking of the One and Supreme Knowledge wisdom (Buddhas wisdomsabbannutanana) Compassion: eliminate the obstacles Child of the lineage, there are 4 obstacles that are hard to eliminate. 1 Transgress one heavy rule of bodhisattva. 2. Disparage the Great vehicle. 3. Unable to increase ones roots of virtue. 4 Attachment to the 3 realms, not wanting to be liberated from them. There are also 4 methods that can counter these obstacles. 1 Whole-heartedly staying close to the Tathagatas, reveal all misdeeds. 2 Ask the Tathagatas to speak of the great Dharma for sentient beings. 3. Rejoice in all roots of virtue that sentient beings have. 4. Dedicate all roots of virtue one has towards the Supreme Enlightenment Indra asks, Blessed One, there are numerous sentient beings in the world who generate the thought of the great vehicle, there are those who successfully cultivate virtues, and those who are unable to do so, how then can I rejoice in the merits of all sentient beings? Buddha says, child of the lineage, there are those who are yet unable to cultivate the great vehicle, however, day and night 6 times, they let bare their right shoulder, kneel down the right knee, one-mindedly thinks and rejoice, then that person will have infinite merit- by saying as followed, the 10 directions in the world, there are sentient beings who are now cultivating offering, keeping the commandments, meditation, wisdom, I now rejoice fully. If one can do the act of rejoicing, one will definitely acquire great benefits, unsurpassed, peerless, incomparable, and tremendously miraculous. In the same way one rejoices at all the merits of sentient beings in the past and future. Moreover, the bodhisattva who has just generated the thought of enlightenment, who are just beginning to cultivate virtues, the amount of merit they have; these bodhisattvas have been through hundreds of eons doing great bodhisattva deeds of virtues and able to acquire great merits; they acquire the acceptance of the unproduced Dharma, irreversibility, One more life to become Buddha, all such virtues, I will whole-heartedly praise and rejoice. In the past and future, the Bodhisattvas have much merits, which I will rejoice in and praise. Moreover, In the worlds in the 10 directions, all Tathagataas, Knower of the worlds, who have acquired the Unsurpassed wisdom, Buddha turns
Page 39 of 175

the Unsurpassed Wheel of Dharma to benefit countless beings, also offer the unbounded Dharma, beat the Dharma drum, sound the Dharma conch, hang the Dharma flag, let down rain of Dharma, having compassion and instruct all sentient beings, making them accept, and thanks to the offering of the Dharma, they enjoy infinite bliss; the Bodhisattvas, Hearer, Solitary Enlightened one all gather the merits, those sentient beings who have not yet had such merits, they help them acquire these merits. All such merits I now rejoice. Past and future Buddha and Venerable ones, I also rejoice and praise all such merits. Child of the lineage, if one rejoices like this, one will have infinite merits. The number of grains of sand in the Ganges river of sentient beings, all such beings will exhaust their defilement and become Arahat, if there is any son or daughter of the lineage who offer clothes, food, medicines, equipment, all of supreme qualities, the merits acquire is not 1/1000th the merit of rejoice, what is the reason for this, it is because the merit that comes from offering has limit, not including all merits, while the merits from rejoice is countless and unquantifiable, including all merits from the past, present and future. As such, anyone who wishes to increase their supreme merits should practice the method of rejoicing like that. Any females who want to be reborn as males should also practice the method of rejoicing, the wish of turning into a male body often comes true At this time, Indra asks, Blessed One, now that I have known about the merit of rejoicing, I also wish that the Tathagata teach me about the merit of asking (requesting) the Buddha to speak the Dharma, so that in the future the bodhisattvas will also turn the wheel of Dharma, and the present bodhisattva will correctly practice. The Blessed One says, Indra, any son or daughter of the lineage who wish to attain the Unsurpassed Enlightenment should practice the virtue of Hearers, Solitary Enlightened one and the great vehicle, day and night 6 times act as said above, one-mindedly focus and speak as followed, I prostrate and seek refuge in the Tathagatas, if you have attained the Unsurpassed Enlightenment, and not yet turning the wheel of Dharma, and wants to leave this body to enter Nirvana, I sincerely bow down, requesting you to turn the great wheel of Dharma, rain the great rain of Dharma, light the great lamp of Dharma, shine upon he intention and direction of the Dharma so as to practice the offering of the unbounded Dharma, do not enter into Nirvana so quickly, but abides long here to liberate and benefit all sentient beings, to fulfill all such bliss as mentioned. I will now dedicate this merit (from requesting the Buddha) to Unsurpassed Enlightenment, just like the past, present and future bodhisattvas who have dedicated the merit from requesting the Buddha to Unsurpassed Enlightenment, I will now do the same, dedicating the merit from requesting the Buddha to Unsurpassed Enlightenment. Child of the lineage, if anyone uses the 7 precious substances as large as the great heavenly worlds to offer to the Tathagata, and another person requests the Buddha to turn the great wheel of Dharma, the merit of the latter is more than the first. Why is that so, it is because the first person offer materials, properties, while the second person is offering of the Dharma. Child of the lineage, let us not speak of offering precious substance as large as the great heavenly worlds, if anyone who offers the 7 precious
Page 40 of 175

substances as great as the heavenly worlds as numerous as the grains of sand in the Ganges river, all offered to the Tathagatas, and the other person who requests Buddha acquires much greater merits. The reason is that offering the Dharma has 5 supreme benefits. 1. Dharma offering benefits self and others, offering goods is not like that. 2. Dharma offering helps sentient beings liberate themselves from the 3 realms, offering goods does not liberate from the 3 realms. 3. Dharma offering purifies the Dharma body, while offering goods only beautifies the body forms. 4. Dharma offering is infinite, while offering goods is finite. 5. Dharma offering destroys ignorance, while offering goods only temporarily eliminates lust. As such, child of the lineage, the merit of request is infinite and boundless, incomparable. I, the Tathagata Sakyamuni in the past, while traversing on the path of bodhisattva, also request the Tathagatas to turn the great wheel of Dharma, thanks to this merit, today, the great Brahma and Indra request Buddha to turn the great wheel of Dharma. Child of the lineage, requesting to turn the wheel of Dharma is in accordance with the wish to benefit and liberate sentient beings. I in the past, while cultivating the virtue of bodhisattva, also request the Tathagatas to abide long in the world, not yet entering Nirvana so soon; thanks to this merit, Buddha now acquires the 10 powers, 4 fearless, 4 unbounded eloquence, great heart of compassion, practicing countless qualities of the separate methods, thus, even when Buddha has entered Nirvana, the Dharma of the Tathagata still abides long in this world. And the Dharma body of the Tathagata is absolutely pure, all forms of good signs, infinite wisdom, infinite freedom, infinite merit, difficult to think of, to discuss, all kinds of sentient beings also benefit, difficult to exhaustively enumerate. The Dharma body encompasses all methods; all methods cannot encompass the Dharma body. The Dharma body is often-abiding yet does not fall into the perception of permanence. The Dharma body terminates yet does not fall into the perception of destruction. The Dharma body is capable of destroying the antagonistic perceptions of sentient beings, and producing all kinds of correct perception for sentient beings. The Dharma body unties and cut all bonds of the sentient beings, though in fact there is no bond to be untied or cut. The Dharma body sow roots of virtues for sentient beings to acquire merit. Whoever has not consummated will be made consummated, whoever has consummated is liberated. The Dharma body does not act or move, leaving all crowdedness and noise, quiet and infinite, having the quality of bliss and freedom, surpassing all time yet still act and appear according to time. The Dharma body surpasses the field of Hearers and Solitary Enlightened beings, It becomes the goal for the great bodhisattvas. Speaking of the Dharma body, the Tathagata does not differ in character and nature. All the above qualities are attained from the merit of request. Such Dharma body the Tathagata has acquired. As such, anyone who wishes to attain the Unsurpassed Enlightenment should speak to others about the Sutras, even as little as a sentence or a four-line verse. Doing so one acquires infinite merit, no need to speak of requesting the Tathagatas to turn the great wheels of Dharma, abiding long in the world and not entering Nirvana so soon.
Page 41 of 175

At this time, Indra asks, Blessed One, if a person wishes to attain the Unsurpassed Enlightenment, he then cultivate the virtues of all three vehicles, how can he dedicate this mass of merit to Buddhas wisdom? Buddha says to Indra, child of the lineage whoever wishes to attain the Unsurpassed Enlightenment, should cultivate the virtues of all three vehicles, and dedicate all of this mass of merit to Buddhas wisdom; day and night 6 times, whole-heartedly speaking as followed, I since countless time in the past until now, the mass of merit that I have created in the Three Jewel, even as small as giving animals some food, or using gentle words to settle a dispute, or receiving the 3 methods of taking refuge and the commandments, or repenting, requesting, rejoicing, all the above merit I now act, gather all of them, and turn to dedicate to all sentient beings, not having any thought of regret, and this is the merit appertaining to (the part of) liberation. Just like what the Tathagatas see and know cannot be measured, all very pure and unbounded, all the merits are turned to dedicate to all sentient beings, not abiding in forms and not leaving forms; now I will do just the same thing, I will dedicate my merits to sentient beings and wish that they will all acquire wishing hands; even in empty space they can still let appear gold and jewels, satisfying their wish, enjoying infinite wealth and bliss, infinite wisdom, miraculous Dharma and eloquence all unbounded and unhindered, with the sentient beings, they will all attain Unsurpassed Enlightenment, having the wisdom of Buddha. And following this merit, they will then produce infinite more merits, and again dedicate them all to Unsurpassed Enlightenment. Just like the great bodhisattvas in the past who cultivate virtues and create merits, they then turn to dedicate all of this to the Buddhas wisdom, the bodhisattvas in the present and past all do the same; (I too will do the same), all the merits that I have, I dedicate to unsurpassed Enlightenment, and use this merit to wish that all sentient beings will become Buddha. Just like the Tathagatas sitting under the Bodhi tree in the Bodhi assembly, the Tathagatas are all very pure, indubitably pure and unhindered, abiding in the infinite Dharma body of infinite Dharani, in the Lang Nghiem Samadhi, destroying the great armies of Mara; Buddha shines upon and consummates all that has to be seen and understood in a fraction of a second, and the later part of the night, they acquire the method of sweet dews of immortality, understanding the meaning of the sweet dews of immortality. Just like the Tathagatas, the sentient beings and I wish to acquire such a great and miraculous sense. Infinite Longevity Tathagata Victorious Light Tathagata Miraculous Light Tathagata Asokbhya Tathagata Benign Light of Merit Tathagata Lion Light Tathagata Sun Light Tathagata Rainbow Light Tathagata Treasure Forms Tathagata Bao Yim Tathagata Prosperous Light Tathagata Auspicious Supreme King Tathagata
Page 42 of 175

Miraculous Pure Tathagata Dharma Place Tathagata Supreme Victorious Body Tathagata Lovable Body Color Tathagata Transforming Light Tathagata Brahma Pure King Tathagata Supreme Character Tathagata
Page 43 of 175

All Tathagatas of the same level, in the present and future time, The Tathagatas, Arahat, Perfect and Complete Buddha, appear in the form of the transformed body to teach the sentient beings, also acquiring the Unsurpassed Enlightenment, revolving the Supreme wheel of Dharma, now I also wish to do the same, as mentioned above. Child of the lineage, any son or daughter of the lineage who has pure faith in the chapter of eliminating obstacles, part of the Golden Light Sutra; they accept, listen, analyze, keep in mind and recite to memory, or speak to others in different ways, they will acquire a great mass of merit, countless and infinite. Suppose all sentient beings in the great Heavenly worlds all become human, having become human they progress to the level of Solitary Enlightened being, any son or daughter of the lineage who respect, offer the four kinds of work for a lifetime, also offering to each Solitary Enlightened being an amount of 7 precious substances as large as Mount Sumeru. When these Solitary Enlightened beings have entered into Nirvana, that person use precious gems to build stupas and make offerings, that tower is as large as 12 yojinas, constantly making offering to the stupas using incense, garlands, banners, canopies, what do you think, does that child of the lineage offer much? Indra replies, indeed, it is numerous, Blessed One. Child of the lineage any son or daughter of the lineage who towards this chapter of Eliminating obstacles, part of the Golden Light Sutra the miraculous Sutra, the King of Sutra, accept, listen, analyze, keep in mind and recite to memory, or speak to others in different ways, the mass of merit of the previous person does not equal even 1/100th, 1/1000th, 1/10000th, 1/100000th, the part of the merit of the latter, even mathematics or analogy cannot be used. Why is that so, it is because this person stands on the righteous virtue, requesting the Tathagatas to revolve the wheel of the Supreme Dharma, and that person is rejoiced and praised among the Tathagatas. Child of the lineage, the Tathagatas have said, among all kinds of offering, the offering of the Dharma is above all else. As such, child of the lineage, (the act of) offering to the 3 Jewels cannot match. The act of requesting to accept taking refuge in the 3 Jewels, keeping the ordains, not transgressing, 3 habits not empty, cannot match. All sentient beings in all world systems, depending on their abilities and wish, towards the three vehicles encouraging others to generate the thought of Bodhi- cannot match. In all world systems, present, past and future, all beings acquiring the unbounded, unrestricted state, quickly making them attain countless merits- cannot match. All sentient beings in all world systems in the past, present and future, all made to attain the unrestricted state, accomplishing the three wisdom of Bodhi- cannot match. Encouraging all sentient beings in all world systems in the past, present and future to quickly become liberated from the suffering of the 4 evil realms- cannot match. Encouraging all sentient beings in all world systems in the past, present and future to eliminate very heavy sins- cannot match. Encouraging all sentient beings to become liberated from defilement- cannot match. All sentient beings who are in terror, tormented by suffering, liberate them all- cannot match. Before the Tathagatas in the past present and future, encouraging them to rejoice and generate the thought of Bodhi, cannot
Page 44 of 175

match. Encouraging all sentient beings to eliminate evil deeds, abandon disparaging others, wishing them to accomplish all merits, and wherever they are born, encouraging them to make offering, respect, praise all Three Jewels, encouraging them to cultivate the pure merit and virtue, attaining Bodhi- cannot match. As such you should know that requesting the 3 Jewels in the past, present and future in all world systems, encouraging them to accomplish the 6 paramitas, requesting them to turn the wheel of the Supreme Dharma, requesting Buddha to abide long in the world, in countless eons, speaking of countless profound Dharma; such profound merits cannot be matched. At this time, Indra, the Ganges river goddess, countless Brahma kings, devas and the Four Heavenly Kings, from their sit stand up, let bare the right shoulders, kneel down the right knee, holding their palms together and bow down, saying, Blessed One, we have listened to the Sutra of the Golden Light, now we will accept, listen, analyze, keep in mind and recite to memory, or speak to others in different ways, and live according to what is taught in the Sutra. Why is that so, Blessed One? It is because we wish to attain the Unsurpassed Enlightenment, as such, depending on and in accordance with the supreme forms and characters of the meaning of this Sutra, we will cultivate virtues accordingly. Brahma, Indra and the ones on the same level, exactly where the Tathagata is, use the Mandala flowers to scatter on the Tathagata. The great heavenly world trembles greatly. Heavenly music sounds on its own. The golden light emits, spreading through the whole world and creating marvelous sounds. Indra says, Blessed One, all these scenes that have manifest before us are thanks to the power and might of the Golden light Sutra, helping with compassion, benefiting in many ways, increasing the merits of the bodhisattvas, eliminating all obstacles. Buddha says, just so Gentleman, just as what you say. Why, child of the lineage, the Tathagata can recount, in the past, countless eons ago, there is a Tathagata called Treasure King of Great Emitting Light, The Arahat, Perfect and Complete Buddha, Knower of the world, appeared in the world, and lived for 680 countless eons. At that time, the Tathagata Treasure King of Great Emitting Light wished to benefit human, Indra, Brahma, sa mon, Brahmin, and all kinds of sentient beings, making them rejoice and stay blissful. When the Tathagata appeared in the first assembly, Buddha made countless hundreds of thousands of people become Arahats, eliminating all their faults; the 3 understanding and 6 kinds of knowledge become free and unrestricted. At the second assembly, the Tathagata liberates 90000 countless people become Arahats, eliminating all their faults; the 3 understanding and 6 kinds of knowledge become free and unrestricted. Child of the lineage, at that time, I was a daughter of the lineage called Treasure Merit Light. In the third assembly, I was near to the Tathagata Treasure King of Great Emitting Light, wanting to acquire the Unsurpassed Enlightenment, I accept, listen, analyze, keep in mind and recite to memory, or speak to others in different ways. At that time, the Tathagata Treasure King of Great Emitting Light predicted to me: daughter of the lineage Treasure Merit Light, in the future you will become a Buddha, named Sakyamuni, the Tathagata, Arahat, Perfect and Complete Buddha, Knower of the
Page 45 of 175

world, Unsurpassed in the world, Complete with Light, the One who enters Nirvana, Teacher of beings to be tamed, Master of human and devas, the Supreme and Perfect knowledge. After that, I was no longer born as female, and from that time until now, I surpassed the 4 evil realms, born among human and devas, enjoying great marvelous bliss, for 84 hundreds of thousands of eons I became the Wheel Turning King, and now I become the Unsurpassed Enlightened, with great renown in the world. At this time, everyone in the assembly sees the Tathagata Treasure King of Great Emitting Light who is turning the unsurpassed wheel of Dharma, and speaking of the miraculous Dharma. Buddha speaks to Indra, child of the lineage, in the East of this planet, hundreds of thousands of Buddha world systems, there is a world called Solemn Treasure, the Tathagata Treasure King of Great Emitting Light abides there, not yet entering into Nirvana, speaking of the great miraculous Dharma for the sentient beings. The One that appears in the assembly is just that Tathagata. Child of the lineage, anyone who hears the name of the Tathagata Treasure King of Great Emitting Light will never reverse from the position of bodhisattva, reaching into Nirvana. Any daughter of the lineage who hears the name of Tathagata Treasure King of Great Emitting Light, when that person dies, will see that Buddha arriving at where she is. Having seen the Tathagata Treasure King of Great Emitting Light, she will never be born as female. Child of the lineage, the Golden Light sutra, the miraculous sutra provides many benefits, having many ways to increase the merits of bodhisattvas and eliminate aobstacles. Child of the lineage, and monks or nuns, male holder of lay precepts, female holder of lay precepts, wherever there is taught the Golden light Sutra, that nation has 4 benefits. 1. The king is free from sickness, not plagued by any unfortunate incidents. 2. He enjoys great longevity, unrestricted. 3. Not having any attacking foes, the national army is strong. 4. Peace and Auspiciousness reign, Buddhism spreads. Why is that so, it is because this King is protected by Indra, Brahma king, the Four Heavenly kings, and Yaksas. The Tathagata asks the devas, children of the lineage, is that so? Indra, Brahma king, the Four Heavenly kings, and Yaksas all reply- just so, Blessed One. In the country where there is taught or recitation of this Sutra the king of sutra, the king of that nation is often protected by us, followed by us. If that king experiences any incidents and attack, we will eliminate all of the, all sorrow and sickness will also be eliminated, so that the king will be healthy, increasing his lifespan and experience good results (signs), attaining what he wishes for, and always joyful. We will also make that nation have a strong army. The Tathagata says, how benign, child of the lineage, just like what you say, you should practice accordingly. Since if that king follows Buddhism, the whole citizens of that country will follow suit and act according to the Dharma. By protecting them, you will increase your forms and strength, your palace will become brighter, and your relatives will also become more auspicious. Indra, Brahma king and those on the same level say, just so, Blessed One. The Tathagata says, wherever this miraculous Sutra is taught and spread, the ministers in that nation enjoy 4 benefits. 1. Living in harmony, loving and respecting each other. 2. Respected and well-loved by the King, also earning respect from the samon, Bhramin, great kingdoms, small kingdoms, all endearing to them. 3. Not
Page 46 of 175

valuing properties above the Dharma, not wishing for wealth and rich, (their) good reputation is spoken of by many, earning reverence from everyone. 4. Long lifespan, joyful and good. These are the 4 benefits. In the country where this Sutra is taught, there will be 4 benefits. 1. Clothes, food, furniture and medicines will always be abundant, not missing in anything. 2. Enjoy a peaceful life to focus, recite and analyze this Sutra. 3. Enjoy a safe dwelling place in forests and mountains. 4 Satisfy all wish. These are the 4 benefits. Wherever this Sutra is taught, the people of that country will always be happy, joyful, not having any illness or disease, many traders travel back and forth, acquiring many kinds of treasures and goods, completing the full merits. This is the variety of the benefits At this time, the Brahma king, Indra, the Four Protectors of the world, and the whole assembly say, Blessed One, such a sutra has very profound meaning, if It still abides, the 37 senses continues to abide, if It is lost, the Dharma is also lost. The Tathagata says, just so, children of the lineage. As such, towards this Sutra of the Golden Light, even a sentence or a 4-lined verse, a chapter or the whole Sutra, you should one-mindedly recite correctly, correctly remember, think, practice, and spread to the sentient beings, so that all will enjoy peaceful lives, infinite benefits and merits. At this time, the assembly, having heard the Tathagata say so, acquires the supreme benefits, and joyfully practice accordingly.
Chapter 6: The Mantra of Purification

At this time, the bodhisattva Lion Form Unrestricted Light, together with countless beings at the assembly, from his seat stands up, let bare the right shoulder, kneels down the right knee, holds the palms together respectfully and bow down to the feet of the Blessed One, they use various incense, flowers, banners and canopies to offer, and say, Blessed One, what are the factors contributing to the Bodhi mind? What is the Bodhi mind? Blessed One, the place where Bodhi abides does not have a present mind, does not have a future mind, nor a past mind; if the mind is separated from Bodhi, there can be no Bodhi mind. Bodhi cannot be expressed, the mind is also without forms, without habits, not acted upon; there is also no sentient being, and they cannot be known. Blessed One, how can one know such a profound meaning of the Dharma? The Blessed One says, child of the lineage, just so, just so, Bodhi is miraculous, there is no habit and action. If the mind is separated from Bodhi, there can be no Bodhi mind. Bodhi cannot be expressed, the mind is also inexpressible, without forms, without habits, not acted upon; there is also no sentient being. Why, because Bodhi and the mind are suchness of the character, the acquisition of capability and acquisition of basis are equal. However, child of the lineage, it is not that there is no methods and yet (there is) an understanding. If a great bodhisattva understands it as such, this is called consummating all methods, and skillful at speaking of the Bodhi and the Bodhi mind. The mind is just the same,
Page 47 of 175

and so are sentient beings. In it, there can be no two shores (sides). Why, because all methods are unproduced. As such there can be no Bodhi, the name of Bodhi cannot have; sentient beings and the name of beings cannot have, Hearer and the name Hearer cannot have, Solitary Enlightened One and the name Solitary Enlightened One cannot have; bodhisattva and the name of Bodhisattva cannot have, Tathagata and the name Tathagata cannot have (exist); cultivating virtues and not cultivating virtues cannot exist; the name of cultivating virtue and not cultivating virtue cannot exist. Since there is no existence, one stands still in emptiness, and this is the reason why merit is created. Child of the lineage, just like the jaded mount Sumeru which benefits all, the Bodhi mind benefits all sentient beings, and this is the cause (factor) of offering, the first paramita. Just like the earth sustaining all phenomenon and things, this is the cause (factor) of keeping the precepts, the second paramita. Just like the lion having great might, it does not fear whle walking alone, this is the cause (factor) of patience, the third paramita. Just like the great strength of the wind, courageous and agile, an irreversible mind, this is the cause (factor) of exerting effort, the fourth paramita. Just like the palace made from the 7 precious substances, having the 4 leading paths and cool wind blowing to the 4 doors, giving rise to bliss and joy, the storing place of none thinking is just the same, satisfying all needs, this is the cause (factor) of meditation, the fifth paramita. Just like the bright sun shining forth brilliantly, this mind quickly destroys ignorance and obstacles, this is the cause (factor) of wisdom, the sixth paramita (perfection). Just like the business leader who satisfies all want, this mind surpasses the dangerous path of birth and death, reaping the gold and jewel of merits, this is the cause (factor) of means, the third paramita. Just like the bright full moon, this mind is pure and sufficient towards all situations, this is the cause (factor) of vows, the eighth paramita. Just like the free and independent general of the wheel turning king, this mind embellishes the world, infinite merits to benefit the sentient beings, this is the cause (factor) of capability (power), the ninth paramita. Just like space and the wheel turning king, this mind towards all situations (which) do not present any obstacles, having attained the position of freedom, arriving at the position of abisheka this is the cause (factor) of knowledge, the tenth paramita. These are the 10 factors of the Bodhi mind. You should cultivate these 10 factors. Child of the lineage, a great bodhisattva accomplishes the paramita of offering by the following 5: Faith, compassion, not having the mindset of wishing for lust, accepting all sentient beings equally, praying for the attainment of the Buddhas wisdom. This is the great bodhisattva accomplishing the offering paramita. Child of the lineage, a great bodhisattva accomplishes the paramita of keeping the precepts by the following 5: body, speech and mind must be pure, not becoming the cause of suffering to the sentient beings, close the doors of the evil ways and opening the doors of the benign paths (good realms), surpassing the positions of Hearers, Solitary Enlightened beings, and finally accomplishing all kinds of merits and virtues. This is the great bodhisattva accomplishing the keeping precept paramita. Child of
Page 48 of 175

the lineage, a great bodhisattva accomplishes the paramita of patience by the following 5: eliminating the defilement of lust and anger, not sparing in ones life, not wishing to have an uneventful life, and thinking of deeds committed in the past, capable of enduring hardship, generating the heart of compassion to accomplish the good roots of virtue for the sentient beings, and finally acquiring the profound forbearance for the unproduced Dharma. This is the great bodhisattva accomplishing the patience paramita. Child of the lineage, a great bodhisattva accomplishes the paramita of exerting effort by the following 5: Not wanting to live with all kinds of defilement, not enjoying bliss when the roots of virtue or merits are insufficient, not tired of the difficult ascetic works, using the great compassion to benefit sentient beings, using the means to help sentient beings completely reach their maturity, and finally praying to attain the position of irreversibility.This is the great bodhisattva accomplishing the exerting effort paramita. Child of the lineage, a great bodhisattva accomplishes the paramita of non-thinking by the following 5 acts: Keeping the benign Dharma together and not losing them, often wish to become liberated, not getting stuck in either side, wishing to acquire supernatural abilities to fulfill the roots of virtues for sentient beings, purifying the Dharma realm, eliminating the stain of the mind, and finally eliminating the root of defilement of sentient beings.This is the great bodhisattva accomplishing the non-thinking paramita. Child of the lineage, a great bodhisattva accomplishes the paramita of wisdom by the following 5 acts: Often staying near the Tathagatas, bodhisattvas and sages, not getting enough of Them, often listening to the profound Dharma of the Tathagatas, not getting enough of It, often likes to distinguish the the impossible-to-imagine true basis of perception and the layman basis of perception, quickly eliminating all wrong perception pertaining to the Way, and wrong perception pertaining to the phenomenon (kin hoc tu hoc), and finally well-versed in the 5 methods, which includes all the techniques of the world. This is the great bodhisattva accomplishing the wisdom paramita. Child of the lineage, a great bodhisattva accomplishes the paramita of the means by the following 5 acts: Thoroughly understand all kinds of liking, preference, defilement and the wish, virtues of the sentient beings, knowledgeable of infinite methods to counter these (above mentioned), free to enter and awake from the Great compassion Samadhi, vowing to cultivate fully all methods of the paramitas, and finally consummating and understand completely Buddha Dharma, keeping them without missing. This is the great bodhisattva accomplishing the means paramita. Child of the lineage, a great bodhisattva accomplishes the paramita of vows by the following 5 acts: The mind abides in the fact that the Dharma is unproduced, undestroyed, not having or not not-having birth (phi hu v), staying away from all stains, portray the purity, the mind can stay still and observe the profound, miraculous meaning of the Dharma, sublimating all thoughts, the mind rests comfortably in the suchness of the non-acting mind, unmoving, non-different (not separate), non-shifting, often abiding in the lay person basis of thought for the purpose of benefiting the sentient beings, and finally is the mind resting in the parallelism of observation (ch qun) This is the great bodhisattva accomplishing the vows paramita. Child of the lineage, a great bodhisattva accomplishes the paramita
Page 49 of 175

of power by the following 5 acts: using the power of the right views and wisdom to consummate and understand the mind and practice of the sentient beings (whether good or bad), helping sentient beings enter into the miraculous and profound Dharma, knowing exactly that sentient beings stay in the cycle of birth and death because of (and depending on) their karma, using the power of the right views and perception to distinguish and know the sentient beings 3 kinds of characters and habits (cn tnh), and finally making them cultivate the good roots of virtue, mature the virtue and become liberated. This is the great bodhisattva accomplishing the power paramita. Child of the lineage, a great bodhisattva accomplishes the paramita of wisdom by the following 5 acts: Towards the methods, they can distinguish between good and bad, leaving the dark method and accept the white (benign) methods, not tired of birth-death, not desirous of Nirvana, fulfilling all wisdom and merits to attain the highest position, accepting the supreme abhisheka, completing all separate methods and the Buddhas wisdom. This is the great bodhisattva accomplishing the wisdom paramita. Child of the lineage, what is the meaning of paramita? Paramita means the acquisition of the supreme benefits thanks to ones cultivation and practice. Paramita means accomplishing and reaching the infinite wisdom, extremely profound and great. Paramita means not attaching to and placing emphasis on either the methods of cultivating virtues or the methods of not cultivating virtues. Paramita means correctly knowing and becoming enlightened, seeing correctly the sins of birth-death and the merits of Nirvana. Paramita means accepting both the wise and the ignorant. Paramita means demonstrating the miraculous Dharma complete with all precious forms. Paramita means having sufficient unbounded wisdom of liberation. Paramita means correctly distinguishing the Dharma realm and the realm of sentient beings. Paramita means attaining the position of irreversibility (in terms of) from giving to wisdom. Paramita means fulfilling the patient acceptance of the unproduced Dharma. Paramita means helping sentient beings accomplish and mature the roots of virtues and merits. Paramita means accomplishing all independent methods of the Tathagatas in the place of supreme wisdom and Bodhi. Paramita means the oneness of birth-death and Nirvana. Paramita means salvaging all. Paramita means skillfully explaining and answering the questions from those with wrongful views, and able to convert them. Paramita means turning the Dharma wheel complete with the 12 forms of practice. Paramita means no attachment, no view (prejudice?), no misunderstanding Child of the lineage, when It is expressed, the bodhisattva on the first ground sees these signs clearly, which is the whole great world replete with countless treasure. Child of the lineage, the bodhisattva sees clearly the manifestation of the second ground as followed, the whole world systems appear to be as flat as the palm of ones hand, together with numerous beautiful gems and jewels. Child of the lineage, the bodhisattva sees clearly the manifestation of the third ground as followed: the bodhisattva appears as a strong warrior with solemn armors and weapons, able to
Page 50 of 175

subdue the enemy upon sight. Child of the lineage, the bodhisattva sees clearly the manifestation of the fourth ground as followed: there is wind blowing from the 4 directions, bringing along with it beautiful flowers and scattering them all over the earth surface. Child of the lineage, the bodhisattva sees clearly the manifestation of the fifth ground as followed: there are marvelous treasured women, beautifully adorned with strings of pearls and flower crown. Child of the lineage, the bodhisattva sees clearly the manifestation of the sixth ground as followed: there are water ponds constructed from the 7 precious substances, together with spacious roads from the 4 directions, grains of gold are scattered everywhere, all pure and stainless, the water with the 8 special qualities fills the ponds, there are also various types of lotus flowers blooming in many suitable places, and in the place where there are such lotus ponds, one can freely and leisurely walk, it is also very cooling. Child of the lineage, the bodhisattva sees clearly the manifestation of the seventh ground as followed: there are those who should have fallen to hell, but thanks to the might of the bodhisattva, they no longer do; they emerge harmless and without fear. Child of the lineage, the bodhisattva sees clearly the manifestation of the eighth ground as followed: accompanying and protecting the bodhisattva on two sides are two lion kings, the other animals are terrified. Child of the lineage, the bodhisattva sees clearly the manifestation of the ninth ground as followed: bodhisattva appears as a wheel turning king, surrounded by many servants, on the crown of the head there is a white canopy, decorated with countless precious gems. Child of the lineage, the bodhisattva sees clearly the manifestation of the tenth ground as followed: that is the golden color of the Tathagatas body, with numerous transparent beams of light, countless Brahma kings surround and respectfully give offering, turning the miraculous and supreme wheel of Dharma. Child of the lineage, why is the first ground called blissful and etc the tenth called Dharma cloud? Child of the lineage, on the first ground, the bodhisattva acquires the mind and wisdom that surpass the world; bodhisattva has not experienced it before and now has reached it, able to accomplish and fulfill all needs upon thought; this creates great bliss, as such, the first ground is called blissful. Even the minutest transgression of the precepts is eliminated, thus the second ground is called undefiled. The third ground is called brightness because it is impossible to subdue and shake (weaken) the countless beams of wisdom and mindfulness, taking the Dharani of Listen and Remember as the basis and essence. Using the fire of wisdom to burn all defilement, increasing light, cultivate the wisdom sense, as such, the fourth ground is called destruction (dim). Cultivating means to develop the free supreme unimaginable wisdom that is free; this is very rare, both wrong perception pertaining to the way and to the phenomenon are very difficult to eliminate, yet the bodhisattva successfully does so, as such, the fifth ground is called difficult to attain. The sixth ground is called appearing in front of the eyes because the bodhisattva understands completely the continuity of all practice, no-sign thought appear in all (v tng t duy hin hnh tt c). The seventh ground is called perpetually practiced because the thought of no-sign has been made continuous and without
Page 51 of 175

any outflow, liberation and Samadhi has been extensively studied and practiced, there is no obstacle to the purity. The thought of no-sign has been freely (independently) cultivated, all defilement cannot affect, as such the eighth ground is called immovable. The ninth ground is called benign wisdom because the bodhisattva preaches the Dharma in all variations and different forms, yet it is all done so freely (t ti), not having any attachment, increasing wisdom to the level of unrestricted freedom. The tenth ground is called cloud of the Dharma because the Dharma body is like space, wisdom like the great cloud spreading everywhere. Child of the lineage, the ignorance in thinking of a self of the Dharma (ng php), the ignorance of fearing the evil ways, these two points of ignorance creates obstacles towards the first ground. The ignorance of breaking a minor precept, the ignorance in initiating an action and a habit (hnh nghip), these two points of ignorance creates obstacles towards the second ground. The ignorance of craving something one has not attained, the ignorance that causes obstacles towards the supreme Dharani, these two points of ignorance creates obstacles towards the third ground. The ignorance of indulging in the bliss of meditation, the ignorance of indulging in the pure and miraculous Dharma, these two points of ignorance creates obstacles towards the fourth ground. The ignorance of wanting to leave birth-death, the ignorance of wanting to reach Nirvana, these two points of ignorance creates obstacles towards the fifth ground. The ignorance of establishing a sign of the practice (t tng hin hnh), the ignorance of having the thought of liking signlessness, these two points of ignorance creates obstacles towards the seventh ground. The ignorance of exerting effort in observing (and seeing it as) the signless (v tng qun c dng cng), the ignorance of attaching to the sign of freedom (chp tng t ti), these two points of ignorance creates obstacles towards the eighth ground. The ignorance of not skillful in words and meanings, the ignorance of having limited freedom in eloquence, these two points of ignorance creates obstacles towards the ninth ground. The ignorance of having limited freedom in (learning?) great supernatural powers, the ignorance of not consummating and understand the ultimately subtle and secret meaning, these two points of ignorance creates obstacles towards the tenth ground. The ignorance of having a very minute obstacle in the basis of knowing (s tri chng), the ignorance of having a very minute obstacle of defilement, these two points of ignorance creates obstacles towards the Tathagata ground. Child of the lineage, the great bodhisattva cultivate the offering paramita in the first ground, cultivate keeping the precept paramita in the second ground, cultivate patience paramita in the third ground, cultivate exertion of effort paramita in the fourth ground, cultivate meditation paramita in the fifth ground, cultivate wisdom paramita in the sixth ground, cultivate skillful means paramita in the seventh ground, cultivate the vow paramita in the eighth ground, cultivate power paramita in the ninth ground, cultivate knowledge paramita in the tenth ground.
Page 52 of 175

Child of the lineage, when the bodhisattva in the first ground initiates (generate) the thought of that ground, miraculous gold and jewel will appear when bodhisattva cultivates the Samadhi. When the bodhisattva in the second ground initiates (generate) the thought of that ground, loveable bliss will be born when bodhisattva cultivates the Samadhi. When the bodhisattva in the third ground initiates (generate) the thought of that ground, the state of immovability will be born when bodhisattva cultivates the Samadhi. When the bodhisattva in the fourth ground initiates (generate) the thought of that ground, the state of iirreversibility will be born when bodhisattva cultivates that Samadhi. When the bodhisattva in the fifth ground initiates (generate) the thought of that ground (level), flowers, pearls and ivories will appear when bodhisattva cultivates the Samadhi. When the bodhisattva in the sixth ground initiates (generate) the thought of that ground, the bright light coming forth from the sun will be born when bodhisattva cultivates the Samadhi. When the bodhisattva in the seventh ground initiates (generate) the thought of that ground, the realization (becoming reality) of whatever is wished for will be born when bodhisattva cultivates the Samadhi. When the bodhisattva in the eighth ground initiates (generate) the thought of that ground, the enlightenment in the present life (in front of ones eyes?) (hin tin chng ng) will be born when bodhisattva cultivates the Samadhi. When the bodhisattva in the ninth ground initiates (generate) the thought of that ground, the treasury of wisdom will be born when bodhisattva cultivates the Samadhi. When the bodhisattva in the tenth ground initiates (generate) the thought of that ground, the great and strong exertion of effort will appear when bodhisattva cultivates the Samadhi. Child of the lineage, such are the ten initiation of the thought of cultivation of the great bodhisattva. Child of the lineage, the great bodhisattva on the first ground acquires a mantra called Relying on the strength of merit. This mantra is spoken by Tathagatas as numerous as grains of sand in one Ganges river to support and protect the great bodhisattva on the first ground. Whoever chant this mantra will be liberated from all fears such as fear of the tigers, wolves, lions, and other beasts, wicked demons, evil people, malicious gods, enemies, bandits, disasters and other kinds of suffering. Such a bodhisattva is able to overcome the above 5 obstacles, not forgetting the first ground. At this time, the Tathagata speaks of the mantra: Tadyatha purni mantrate tuhu tuhu tuhu yava surya avabhasati yava candra cukuti tavata raksa mam canda pariharam kuru svaha Child of the lineage, the great bodhisattva on the second ground acquires a mantra called Often Skillful in abiding in bliss and joy. This mantra is spoken by Tathagatas as numerous as grains of sand in two Ganges rivers to support and protect the great bodhisattva on the second ground. Whoever chant this mantra will be liberated from all fears such as fear of the tigers, wolves, lions, and other beasts, wicked demons, evil people, malicious gods, enemies, bandits, disasters and other kinds of suffering. Such a bodhisattva is able to overcome the above 5 obstacles, not forgetting the
Page 53 of 175

second ground. At this time, the Tathagata speaks of the mantra: Tadyatha untali siri siri untali tannam jantu jantu untali huru huru svaha Child of the lineage, the great bodhisattva on the third ground acquires a mantra called Difficult to Defeat (Overcome) Power. This mantra is spoken by Tathagatas as numerous as grains of sand in three Ganges rivers to support and protect the great bodhisattva on the third ground. Whoever chant this mantra will be liberated from all fears such as fear of the tigers, wolves, lions, and other beasts, wicked demons, evil people, malicious gods, enemies, bandits, disasters and other kinds of suffering. Such a bodhisattva is able to overcome the above 5 obstacles, not forgetting the third ground. At this time, the Tathagata speaks of the mantra: Tadyatha tantaki pautaki karati keyuri tantili svaha Child of the lineage, the great bodhisattva in the fourth ground acquires a mantra called The Great Benefit. This mantra is spoken by Tathagatas as numerous as grains of sand in four Ganges rivers to support and protect the great bodhisattva on the fourth ground. Whoever chant this mantra will be liberated from all fears such as fear of the tigers, wolves, lions, and other beasts, wicked demons, evil people, malicious gods, enemies, bandits, disasters and other kinds of suffering. Such a bodhisattva is able to overcome the above 5 obstacles, not forgetting the fourth ground. At this time, the Tathagata speaks of the mantra: Tadyatha siri siri damini damini darii Sdariniri sirini vicara paci pacina pandamite svaha Child of the lineage, the great bodhisattva in the fifth ground acquires a mantra called Solemn merits and Virtues. This mantra is spoken by Tathagatas as numerous as grains of sand in five Ganges rivers to support and protect the great bodhisattva on the fifth ground. Whoever chant this mantra will be liberated from all fears such as fear of the tigers, wolves, lions, and other beasts, wicked demons, evil people, malicious gods, enemies, bandits, disasters and other kinds of suffering. Such a bodhisattva is able to overcome the above 5 obstacles, not forgetting the fifth ground. At this time, the Tathagata speaks of the mantra: Tadyatha hari harini cari carini karamani samkramani samb suni cambani stauvani mohani sijabuhe svaha Child of the lineage, the great bodhisattva in the sixth ground acquires a mantra called Full and Complete Knowledge and Wisdom. This mantra is spoken by Tathagatas as numerous as grains of sand in sixth Ganges rivers to support and protect the great bodhisattva on the sixth ground. Whoever chant this mantra will be liberated from all fears such as fear of the tigers, wolves, lions, and other beasts, wicked demons, evil people, malicious gods, enemies, bandits, disasters and other kinds of suffering. Such a bodhisattva is able to overcome the above 5 obstacles, not forgetting the sixth ground. At this time, the Tathagata speaks of the mantra: Tadyatha vitori vitorim arini marini kiri kiri vitohanti ruru ruru curu curu durva duruva sasa saccha varisa svasti sasvasattvanam siddhyantu maya mantra padani svaha
Page 54 of 175

Child of the lineage, the great bodhisattva in the seventh ground acquires a mantra called Great Supreme Virtues of the Dharma. This mantra is spoken by Tathagatas as numerous as grains of sand in seven Ganges rivers to support and protect the great bodhisattva on the seventh ground. Whoever chant this mantra will be liberated from all fears such as fear of the tigers, wolves, lions, and other beasts, wicked demons, evil people, malicious gods, enemies, bandits, disasters and other kinds of suffering. Such a bodhisattva is able to overcome the above 5 obstacles, not forgetting the seventh ground. At this time, the Tathagata speaks of the mantra: Tadyatha jaha jaharu jaha jaharu viduke viduke amrta khani vrsani vairu cani vairucike varuvatti vidhibike bhandin varini amrtike babujaja babujayu svaha. Child of the lineage, the great bodhisattva in the eighth ground acquires a mantra called Infinite Treasures. This mantra is spoken by Tathagatas as numerous as grains of sand in eight Ganges rivers to support and protect the great bodhisattva on the eighth ground. Whoever chant this mantra will be liberated from all fears such as fear of the tigers, wolves, lions, and other beasts, wicked demons, evil people, malicious gods, enemies, bandits, disasters and other kinds of suffering. Such a bodhisattva is able to overcome the above 5 obstacles, not forgetting the eighth ground. At this time, the Tathagata speaks of the mantra: Tadyatha siri siri sirini mite mite kari kari heru heru heru curu curu vandani svaha Child of the lineage, the great bodhisattva in the ninth ground acquires a mantra called Infinite, Countless Doors to the Dharma. This mantra is spoken by Tathagatas as numerous as grains of sand in nine Ganges rivers to support and protect the great bodhisattva on the ninth ground. Whoever chant this mantra will be liberated from all fears such as fear of the tigers, wolves, lions, and other beasts, wicked demons, evil people, malicious gods, enemies, bandits, disasters and other kinds of suffering. Such a bodhisattva is able to overcome the above 5 obstacles, not forgetting the ninth ground. At this time, the Tathagata speaks of the mantra: Tadyatha hari candarike kulamabhate torisi bata batasi siri siri kasiri kapisiri svasti sarva sattvanam svaha Child of the lineage, the great bodhisattva in the tenth ground acquires a mantra called Destroying the Vajra Mountain. This mantra, which has auspicious sentences and words that bring one to the position of abisheka is spoken by Tathagatas as numerous as grains of sand in two Ganges rivers to support and protect the great bodhisattva on the tenth ground. Whoever chant this mantra will be liberated from all fears such as fear of the tigers, wolves, lions, and other beasts, wicked demons, evil people, malicious gods, enemies, bandits, disasters and other kinds of suffering. Such a bodhisattva is able to overcome the above 5 obstacles, not forgetting the tenth ground. At this time, the Tathagata speaks of the mantra: Tadyatha sidhi susidhe mocani moksani vimukti amale vimale nirmale mogalehiranyagarbhe ratnagarbhe samantabhadre sarvante sthani manasi ambuti antibuti acare virase annti amrta arase virase brahma brahmane purni purana nautrate svaha.
Page 55 of 175

At this time, the bodhisattva Unrestricted Light of the Lion form, having listened to the Tathagata speak of such inconceivable mantras, from His seat stands up, lets bare the right shoulder, kneel down the right knee and holds the palms together respectfully, bows down to the feet of the Blessed One and uses the following verses to praise the Blessed One. I bow down to the One Who cannot be compared (with anything) And bow down to the methods Of leaving the signs The sentient beings who have lost The correct perception Only the Tathagata can salvage them The bright eyes of wisdom That the Blessed One has Do not see any signs of the methods Yet Buddha uses the correct Dharma eyes To shine everywhere, inconceivably everywhere Do not see any Dharma that is born Or a Dharma that is destroyed Because of such equal perception (seeing) Buddha has reached The position of the Unsurpassed Not destroying (eliminating) towards birth-death Not abiding in Nirvana Since Buddha is not attached To such 2 separate shores The Blessed One truly attains Nirvana Towards that which is pure And that which consists of defilement Buddha knows them as of one taste Since Buddha does not distinguish Such (2) Dharma like this Buddha has achieved The supreme purity The body of the Tathagata Which has no boundary, limit Does not speak of even one word As such Buddha satisfies all His Disciples With the rain of the righteous Dharma What the Tathagata perceives The forms of sentient beings All kinds of them Are all empty However, towards those who are suffering Buddha often raises help for them Suffering and bliss Permanence and impermanence
Page 56 of 175

Self, non-self All those perceptions and views Are not one And not different Not born, not destroyed All such meanings are many, they are numerous It has variations and difference Because of the manner of speech Just like the sound The Great Freedom Brahma King, at that time from his seat stands up, let bare the right shoulder, kneels down the right knee, holds the palms together respectfully and bow down to the feet of the Blessed One and says, Blessed One, this Sutra of the Golden Light is rare, hard to measure and understand, the first, middle and ending parts are all skillful, diction and meanings are complete, accomplishing the whole of Buddha Dharma. Whoever can uphold this Sutra, that person at the same time return the favor offer gratitude to the Tathagatas. The Blessed One says, just so, gentleman, just as what you speak. Child of the lineage, anyone listening to this Sutra are all those are irreversible from Unsurpassed Enlightenment, why is that so, gentleman, it is because these people have matured their roots of virtues in the position of the bodhisattva who never turns away. This sutra is the hallmark of the Buddha Dharma, the king of sutra, thus you should listen, accept, keep in mind, analyze and recite to memory. Why is that so, child of the lineage, it is because anyone who has not sown the roots of virtues, not yet matured their roots of virtues, not staying near the Tathagatas are unable to listen to this miraculous Dharma. Thus, any son or daughter of the lineage who listens to this will eliminate all obstacles and practice purity; they often see the Tathagatas, never parting from them and the virtuous friends, those who are excellent; they often listen to the Dharma, standing firmly in the position of one who never turns away, attaining many excellent Dharani, non-increasing and non-decreasin- these are the dharani Stamp of the Ocean generating miraculous virtues, the dharani Understanding completely the mind, thought and language of sentient beigns, the dharani Full whole Sun shining forth stainless light rays, the dharani Full Moon shining forth light, the dharani Destroying confusion and ignorance, Streaming forth the flow of merits, the dharani Destroying the Vajra Mountain, the dharani Speaking about the Treasure of the cause of Arising and the Meaning that cannot be expressed, the dharani Thoroughly Understand the Rule and Sound of the true Language, the dharani Pure Void air as the stamp of the mind, the dharani Boundless Buddha body transforming in all ways.
Page 57 of 175
Echoing from a cave Only the Tathagata understands this clearly The nature of all Dharma Essentially has no difference, no distinction As such, there can be no different vehicles However, to save the sentient beings Buddha speaks of the three vehicles

Child of the lineage, if one attains all these non-increasing, non-decreasing dharani, this great bodhisattva will be able to appear as and transform into bodies of Buddha in the world in the ten directions, speaking the supreme Dharma, in all forms of knowledge; towards the suchness of the methods, that person does not move nor abide, not coming or going away; accomplishing the roots of virtues for sentient beings and yet not seeing anyone as having matured; demonstrate the practice yet does not move away from or abide in language, not coming or going, acquiring nonbirth, non-destroyed in the place of birth-death. Why does one say that there is no coming or leaving of the practice? Since the nature of the Dharma has no separateness, no difference. When the Tathagata speaks of this chapter, there are 30000 great bodhisattvas who have obtained the patient acceptance of the unproduced Dharma, countless bodhisattvas no longer turn away from complete Enlightenment, countless monks and nuns acquire the pure Dharma eyes, countless sentient beings generate the thought of enlightenment. At that time, the Tathagata speaks the following verses: The supreme Dharma that is able to Reverse the stream of birth and death The Dharma that is Ultimately miraculous And hard to find At this time, the whole assembly stands up, bow down to the feet of the Blessed One and say, Blessed One, wherever the Sutra of the Golden Light is taught, we will arrive to listen. We will give benefits and bliss to the teacher who speaks of this Sutra, so that he can be free from all obstacles, mind and body all serene and joyful. We will frequent that priest and whole-heartedly make offering to him. We will also help those who listen to this Sutra attain joy and happiness; their native country will be free from bandits and foreign invaders, terrors will not be born, no hunger or thirst, no disasters, all such sufferings are eliminated, and the people themselves thrive and grow populous. In the place where this Sutra is spoken we will turn It into a Gaya (place where Buddhist rituals are performed). Devas, human, animals should not step on that place with filth and stain, why is that so, the place where this Sutra is spoken is equivalent to the Stupa honoring the Tathagatas, one should makes offering using flowers, incense, canopies made of silk, and we will also protect that area, not letting that place degrade. The Tathagata says to the assembly, children of the lineage, you should diligently practice this Supreme and miraculous Sutra, by doing so, you help maintain the lineage of Dharma and make it abide long in the world. Beings who are blinded by lust and greed Are unable to see As such they experience suffering
Page 58 of 175
Chapter 7: Praise of the Lotus

At this time, the Tathagata speaks to the goddess of the great old Bodhi tree (th thn ca b i th), heavenly goddess, you should know the reason why the bodhisattva Gentle Garland dreams of the Golden drum emitting great sounds, fulfilling the praise of the Tathagata and the methods of repentance. The Tathagata will speak to you about that cause. You should listen carefully, and remember correctly. In the past there is a king called Lord of the Golden Dragon, who often use lotus as an example to praise the Tathagatas. The Blessed One then speaks of this praise to the whole assembly The Tathagatas in the past In the future and present Among the world in the 10 directions To You I now whole-heartedly bow down in homage One-mindedly praising the Supreme Ones The great Sakyamuni The Unsurpassed and pure. The brightness from His body Shines with the Golden color Among all sounds The sound of His voice is alone supreme Just like the voice of the great Brahma Like thunders resounding greatly Buddhas hair color Resembles the blackness of the queen bee With many waves of curls Gleaming with the blue color Buddhas teeth are uniform and closely fit As white as the snow and pearl Very flat and straight And lightly glisten Buddhas eyes a bright and stainless Excellently beautiful and solemn Buddhas eyes are as large As the blue lotuss petal Together with the sign Of the wide and long tongue Which is gentle and yielding Red as the pink lotus From the water pond sprouting up In the middle of the eyebrows There is bright white hair Which curls clockwise With the color of crystal Buddhas eyebrows are long and fine As bright as the new moon
Page 59 of 175

Which glistens brightly Like the body of the queen bee Buddhas nose is high, long and straight Just like the golden tip Clean and bright Not wanting in beauty All kinds of perfumes Abound in this world Buddhas nose can tell Where they are from Just by smelling The Golden body form Supreme and peerless Each hair tip is equally beautiful Compared to the rest (other hair) Brightly blue in color, soft and downy Which curls to the right Exquisite and shimmering None can compare When that Body is newly born in the world It already has light Shining and spreading everywhere Of the worlds in the 10 directions Capable of eliminating sufferings Of the sentient beings in the 3 realms Making them all rest in joy and comfort
Page 60 of 175
Whether it is in hell Animal kingdoms, pretas Asura or devas and mankind The light eliminates All kinds of suffering for them Often enjoying the natural bliss The light from that body Often shines to everywhere Just like pure gold Which is most exquisite Buddhas eyes are clear Just like the full moon Buddhas lips are scarlet Like the color of the tan ba fruit Buddhas steps are solemn and powerful Just like the gait of the lion The body of Buddha is Just like the sun at dawn The arms are long Passing the knees Often left naturally dangling As straight as the sa la branch The white circle halo Shining brightly forth Like hundred thousands of suns Spreading to all Buddhas field

Those who have the cause (roots and habits in the past) Will be awakened The pure and transparent light Illuminating to hundred thousands of worlds And throughout the 10 directions unhindered All darkness will vanish The compassionate light of the Tathagata Brings about happiness and peace The color is of a shade of transparency Just like a mountain of pure gold The light spreading to everywhere Hundreds of thousand worlds Those who see this light Will be liberated Countless infinite merits Accomplishing (completing) the body of the Tathagata All these merits Decorate the Buddhas body Surpassing the 3 realms The Tathagata is the King ruling all Above all worlds Becoming the Unsurpassed and peerless The Tathagatas in the past No need to speak of countless
Page 61 of 175
As numerous as the grains of dust In the whole great heavenly world The Tathagatas In the present and future Also as numerous As the grains of dust Of the whole great heavenly world I now make use of my body, speech and mind To sincerely and thoroughly bow down To the Tathagatas in the 3 times Praising the ocean of boundless merits Making offering using all kinds Of perfumes, incense and flowers Suppose I had a thousand tounges Praising the Tathagatas In countless eons The merit of Buddha Is inconceivable Supreme and very profound Very hard to describe Suppose I have hundreds of thousands of mouths It is still impossible to exhaustively Praise even one single part Of one merit and virtue of one Buddha Accomplishing a very small part

Merits of the Tathagata Suppose the whole world Including the devas Up to the Hu nh heaven All become sea water Using the measurement of One droplet of water collected on one hair tip It is possible to count and know all Yet even one virtue of Buddha Can barely be known and understood I use my body, speech and mind To sincerely bow down in homage And praise the boundless virtues and merits Of the Tathagatas The great merits and supremely joyful results That comes from such praising and honoring I will dedicate to all sentient beings And wish them to quickly attain Tathagatahood The Lord of Golden Dragon King Having praised the Buddha so, His mind becomes even more sincere Deeply moved, he made a great vow: I vow that in future times Does the Tathagata appear in the world It is very rare to see and meet the Tathagata So at night, may I often dream Of the sound of the golden drum And in the day I will follow accordingly The method of repentance May I completely and fully cultivate The 6 paramitas To liberate sentient beings From the ocean of birth-death Only after that do I become The Supreme, Unsurpassed Enlightened One Having a Buddha field
Page 62 of 175
In countless of eons of birth in the future May I often dream The great Golden drum Able to listen to the methods of repentance The merits that come from praising the Buddha Is like the lotus flower May I attain Non-birth And become the great Enlightened One Only rarely, once in hundreds of thousands of eons

That is inconceivable May I offer to the Tathagatas The golden drum Praising the Tathagata The true merits and virtues May I see the Tathagata Through doing this act And the Buddha will make a prediction For me to continue the lineage Of the Dharma King Golden Dragon, Golden Light Are my two sons In the past, they were my virtuous friends May they still be born in my family In this life, together with me, May they also receive the prediction From the Buddha Towards the sentient beings And very profound Who are helpless, often staying in samsara And receiving sorrow and suffering So that I will quickly reach In my future lives, may I become The unsurpassed Enlightenment Their refuge and support The power of repentance Giving them great joy and bliss I vow to eliminate The suffering in the 3 realms Which issues forth from the golden drum Will complete (and demonstrate) that light of merits and virtues
Page 63 of 175
Giving them what they wish (according to their own will) Often living in serenity I vow that I will cultivate the Bodhi practice In my future lives Just like in the past, those Beings who have become Buddha I pray for the merits Of the repentance from the golden drum Which dry up the ocean of suffering And eliminate all obstacles When the obstacles of habits and ignorance (confusion) Have been eliminated May I receive the pure results The ocean of merits and wisdom Which is boundless, extremely pure and transparent
May I accomplish that ocean of merits and wisdom

Demonstrating such miraculous light And bring the light of wisdom To shine forth everywhere May my body, light aura Merits, virtues and wisdom Become just like the Tathagatas In all worlds, the Buddha is supreme Having a free, independent power None can compare May I cross the sea of outflows Often traversing The sea of nothingness (v vi) May my ocean of merit Not dry up but always full The ocean of wisdom in the future May It be whole and complete May my world system Surpass the three realms Having Supreme qualities All infinite and countless May all those who are related to me Be born in that world So that they will quickly achieve The pure faculty of wisdom Gentle Garland you should know The Golden dragon king Is you; you have made just that vow And your two sons Golden dragon, Golden light Today are Echoing form, and Echoing light respectively Today they will receive
The prediction from the Tathagata When the assembly has heard these words from the Tathagata, everyone generates the thought of Unsurpassed Enlightenment, making vows to practice the said methods of repentance in the present and future accordingly.
Chapter 8: The Golden Glory Mantra

At this, time, the Blessed One in the assembly speaks to the great bodhisattva Benign Abiding, child of the lineage, there is a mantra called Golden Glory. Any son or daughter of the lineage who wishes to see for themselves the bodies of the Tathagata in the past, present and future to respectfully make offering, should uphold this mantra. This mantra is the mother of the Tathagatas in the 3 times. As such you should know that you will acquire great merit if you uphold this mantra. Only those who sow roots of virtues in countless Tathagatas in the past are able to uphold this mantra. One will definitely purify ones Dharma realm (precepts), not having any fault (in the precepts), not missing in any requirements (of the precept),
Page 64 of 175

one will definitely enter the profound door of the Dharma. To begin chanting this mantra, one should chant the names of the following Buddha and bodhisattva, respectfully bowing down in homage, afterwards, one can start chanting the mantra. I bow down to the Tathagatas I bow down to the great bodhsattvas I bow down to the Disciples and Solitary Enlightened beings I bow down to the Sakyamuni Tathagata I bow down to the non-moving Tathagata to the East I bow down to the Treasure Garland Tathagata to the South I bow down to the Amitabha Tathagata to the west I bow down to the Heavenly ancient sound King Tathagata to the North I bow down to the Encompassing Great Beings (Qung chng ) Tathagata in the Upward direction I bow down to the Bright Virtue Tathagata to the Downward direction I bow down to the Treasure body Tathagata I bow down to the Universal Light Tathagata I bow down to the Universal Brightness Tathagata I bow down to the King of Perfume relics (Hng tch) Tathagata I bow down to the Exquisite Lotus Tathagata I bow down to the Seeing all as Equal (Bnh ng kin) Tathagata I bow down to the Treasure Altar (Bo k) Tathagata I bow down to the High Treasure Tathagata I bow down to the Treasure Light Tathagata I bow down to the Stainless Light Tathagata I bow down to the Solemn Eloquence Thought Tathagata I bow down to the Pure Moon Light demonstrating forms King Tathagata I bow down to the Avatamsaka (Flower Garlands Light) Tathagata I bow down to the Bright Light King Tathagata
Page 65 of 175

I bow down to the Benign Light of Stainlessness Declaring King Tathagata I bow down to the Free and Fearless View King Tathagata I bow down to the Fearless calling Names Tathagata I bow down to the Supreme King Tathagata I bow down to the great bodhisattva Chenrezig I bow down to the great bodhisattva Earth Body I bow down to the great bodhisattva Void Air body I bow down to the great bodhisattva Gentle Auspicious I bow down to the great bodhisattva Vajra Protector (Kim cang th) I bow down to the great bodhisattva Universal Goodness I bow down to the great bodhisattva Endless Mind
I bow down to the great bodhisattva Great World Will I bow down to the great bodhisattva Gentle Compassionate Help I bow down to the great bodhisattva Benign Wisdom After that, recite the Mantra Golden Excellence as followed: Namo ratna trayaya tadyatha kunte kunte kusate kusale kusale icchili mitili svaha The Tathagata says to the bodhisattva Benign Abiding, this mantra is the mother of Tathagatas in the three times. Any son or daughter of the lineage who upholds this mantra will create much merit, even infinity, it is the same as making offering, giving respect, praise and honor to countless Tathagatas, and those Tathagatas will make a prediction for that person. Benign Abiding, whoever upholds this mantra will in their present life have abundant food, clothes, properties, having much listening (learned), intelligent, free from sickness, long lifespan, having many benefits included there and satisfy ones wishes. Benign Abiding, if one upholds this mantra, one will be born in the fields of the bodhisattva Golden Castle Mountain, the bodhisattva Gentle Compassion, the bodhisattva Great Ocean, the bodhisattva Chenrezig, the bodhisattva Gentle and Miraculous Auspicious, the bodhisattva Great bang di la and others in the same levels, up until enlightenment, one will be protected by these great bodhisattva Child of the lineage, this is the method of upholding this mantra. First, one should recite this mantra 10008 times as the base, means. Afterwards, decorate and arrange a ritual field in a closed room, on the first day of the month of bright moon,
Page 66 of 175

clean and bathe oneself, wear new clothes and burn incense, scatter flowers, and also offer food. When one enters the ritual field, one should bow down in homage and call out the names of the said Bodhisattvas and Buddha; afterwards, one should whole-heartedly and sincerely repent on past non-virtuous deeds (which have created obstacles); after that, the right knee should touch the ground, and recite the mantra 1008 times, then sit upright and ponder about ones wish. When the sun has not risen, eat pure food (tnh hc ) in the ritual site, and only eat once a day. Only leave the ritual site after 15 days. If one can do that, one will have inconceivable might, merits and virtue, whatever one wishes, one will be able to fulfill that wish. If the wish has not come true, again enter the ritual site and repeat. If ones wish comes true, still do not forget to continue chanting.
Chapter 9: Speaking of Emptiness

When the Tathagata has spoken of the Golden Excellence Mantra, Buddha continues to speak of Emptiness to benefit the great bodhisattvas and help the assembly- devas, human, understand the supreme method, very profound and truthful. Buddha uses the following verses to elucidate the meanings: The Tathagata has vividly spoken of The Excellent meaning of Emptiness In various other Sutra Now, in this Sutra, the king of Sutra Buddha will speak of the meaning of Emptiness Which is Supreme and surpassing all thoughts Towards the profound and great Meaning of Emptiness The lay person is unable to know and understand As such, the Tathagata will speak of it here The great meaning To help them understand and become awaken Those with great compassion Who pity the sentient beings As such they use the benign means As the excellent cause (seeds for future results) As such, the Tathagata will now Speak of the meaning of Emptiness In this assembly Emptiness is to this body As the empty town to the 6 kinds of bandits Who abide there Yet they do not know one another The kinds of bandits belonging to the 6 circumstances (realms) Relying on the 6 senses Yet they do not know one another
Page 67 of 175

It is just the same The visual sense often looks at The realm of forms The auditory sense often listens To various sounds The olfactory sense Often smells in the realm of smell The sense of taste Abides in the beauty of that particular realm The sense of touch receives Soft and gentle touch The sense of thought Never tired of the methods As such the six senses Arise according to their elements And their particular realms of perception Thus, distinction is born The mind, consciousness is like a transformed illusion Which is not real It relies on the scenes and circumstances (realms) And attaches itself to want Just like a person Who travels near and far in an empty village The six consciousnesses are just like that They rely on the six senses Consciousness is ever moving, inconstant And change according to its position Relying on the senses and attaching to (dependent on) the scenes Thus it knows the world: Indulged in beautiful forms and gentle scent Drunk with the methods of touch (sensory) And in particular with (peculiar to) the method It searches endlessly Consciousness follows the causes (roots) And travels with the six senses Just like a bird Flying in space That live in the same box
Page 68 of 175
Yet it has to rely on the senses As a dwelling place Consciousness becomes aware Of the scenes It is not a knower Nor a doer The body is not permanent and strong It is made from the elements All are born from misunderstood (confused) distinction Just like a machine That moves because of Habits (karma) Earth, Water, Fire and Wind Combine to make a body And depending on the elements The results are different Yet when they abide in the same body They harm one another Just like the 4 poisonous snakes

The 4 great elemental snakes Have different characters In the same body They manifest in terms of rise and fall Either up or down Throughout the entire body As such they meet their own destruction Such four poisonous snakes The four great elements Earth and Water are the two That tends to sink down Fire and wind are the two That tends to sublimate (rise) Because of their conflicting characters Sicknesses are born Consciousness relies on such a body To create virtuous or non-virtuous deeds In all kinds of forms And in the deva and human realms Or the 3 evil realms That body receives the results accordingly Depending on the karma That body becomes sick And then dies For sickness, there is defecation and urination For death, there is the final decomposition Fearful maggots and bugs Thrown to the cemetery Like a rotten log The assembly should see The body as such Why attach to self, and (the concept of) a living being? You should know that all methods Are impermanent All set into motion By the power of ignorance The 4 kinds of elements Are all empty and false Their characters (nature) are unreal And they do not give birth to a true body As such the Tathagata says That all elements are Empty As such, you know that they are false And not real And the nature of ignorance Is empty in itself If there exists a form It is just the combinations of elements As such, the true wisdom is lost Thus the Tathagata calls it Ignorance From practice (habits) and consciousness There arise names and forms The 6 entries and sensory Are also born from that
Page 69 of 175

As a result of love, and the thought of having a self Birth, old age and death come Suffering and worries Pursue sentient beings endlessly Suffering from the ripening of evil deeds Which keeps sentient beings in the bondage Of birth and death, cyclic existence As such, it does not rest Its true nature is nonpossessing The nature is empty Because it is not like the method, And born from distinction (differentiate) The Tathagata has eliminated All kinds of defilement Often lives according to The righteous mind and wisdom Buddha knows that the house of the 5 skandals Is all empty And moves on to the true Bodhi The only true and real place Buddha opens the gates Of the castle of sweet dew of immortality And shows its content Replete with the miraculous dews Buddha has acquired His own dews (cam l) The true taste of dews of immortality And now give to others That same taste of dews of immortality Buddha sounds the great Dharma drum Blow the great Dharma conch Light the Supreme Dharma torch And let down rains of the supreme Dharma Conquer all defilements Together with all hatred and attachment (on kt) Buddha sets up the supreme banners of the Dharma From the ocean of samsara Buddha salvage all sentient beings Buddha closes the doors To the three evil realms The great fire of defilement Which burns and scorches sentient beings And there is none who can save them Nor is there a place of refuge Buddha gives them the sweet and cool dews That satisfies all their wishes Their burned body and scorched mind Are all solaced, and their sufferings eliminated Thus the Buddha In countless eons Have respectfully given offerings To the past Tathagatas And also steadfast in keeping the precepts
Page 70 of 175

Stepping forward to Bodhi (enlightenment) Buddha has the wish to attain the Dharma body And manifest the state of happiness and bliss Buddha has also given away Ears, eyes, arms and legs Wives and children, All given away without any regret Properties, gold, pearls and jewels Buddha offers them all To those who need them Buddha cultivates fully The 6 paramitas And completes the 10 grounds After that, Buddha attains the state of enlightenment As such, others reverently call Buddha The Supremely Wise No one else can know the Tathagata Suppose the earth and soil In the great heavenly worlds Everywhere in there sprouts up trees and plants Bushes and forests Rice plants, sesame, bamboos and reeds Together with other kinds of plants All such plants Are cut and ground into the size of atoms All such atoms Gathered into a mount Even till that mount fills up space completely All world systems in the 10 directions In there are countless many great heavenly worlds And the land in there Also ground to dust There is no means to calculate the number of dust particles there Suppose the wisdom of all sentient beings in the world Is concentrated in the wisdom of one person And there are numerous such beings These people can calculate The number of dust particles said above However, even if they ponder together For countless eons, and in many lives A fraction of a second of the Tathagatas thought and wisdom They are unable to know and understand Only learning a little of it
At this time, when the assembly has heard the Tathagata speaks of the profound meaning of emptiness, countless sentient beings consummate the fact that the 4 elements and the 5 skandals are all empty, and that the 6 senses and 6 scenes are only falsely related (connected) to each other. Everyone has the wish to abandon samsara, and correctly practice the means of liberation; everyone rejoices and practice just as what the Tathagata has taught.
Page 71 of 175
Chapter 10: Satisfied with Emptiness

In the assembly there is a goddess called Treasure Light Miraculously Fulfilling Wishes, having listened to what the Tathagata speak, rejoices, from her seat stands up, let bare the right shoulder, kneels down the right knee, holds the palms together respectfully and says, Blessed One, pray that the Blessed One please teach us the methods to cultivate on the profound and miraculous Dharma. She speaks the following verses: The Lamp of the world! The One who abides in the two realms (Lng tc tn)! The Unsurpassed and Supreme! I request to learn from you the methods Of the bodhisattva On how to correctly cultivate virtues Please allow me to ask of You The Compassionate One The Blessed One says, daughter of the lineage, if you have any questions, just mention it, the Tathagata will explain to you the meaning. The goddess asks the Tathagata: How do the great bodhisattva Cultivate the righteous path of Bodhi Leaving samsara Together with Nirvana Benefiting self and others The Tathagata says, heavenly goddess, do rely on the nature of Dharma to practice Bodhi and cultivate the practice of seeing things as equal (bnh ng hnh). What does relying on the nature of Dharma to practice Bodhi and cultivating the practice of seeing things as equal mean? It is noticing and realizing the presence of the nature of Dharma by using the 5 skandals. The nature of Dharma is the 5 skandals. However, the 5 skandals and the nature of Dharma cannot be spoken together (at the same time) or be spoken of as separate. If one says that the nature of Dharma
Page 72 of 175

and the 5 skandals are together (ni tc), that is having the views that things are bound to be destroyed (on kin), if one says that the nature of the Dharma leaves the 5 skandals, that is having the views that things are permanent. One must not abide in either concepts (views), not attached to the two extremities, cannot be seen, and surpass the concept of seeing, without words, without impressions, that is the nature of Dharma Heavenly goddess, what does it mean when one identifies the nature of Dharma in the place of the 5 skandals? It means considering that the 5 skandals are not born due to conditional (connected) elements. If one says that it is born (initiated) because of various elements, then is it born from that which has been born, or born from that which has not been born ( sinh m sinh, hay cha sinh m sinh)? If one says that it born from that which has not been born, that birth simply cannot happen. That which has not been born cannot have, without a name, a definition, cannot be expressed by words or calculation, because it is not born (created) from interconnected (mutual) elements (yu t tng quan). Heavenly goddess, just like the sound that comes from the drum: The sound is created from the wood, the leather, the stick, the hand beating it, and various other things. That sound does not exist in the past, nor in the future; it also does not exist in the present. Why is that so, because that sound is not made from wood, not made by leather, by the hand stick, not in the three times, that is unborn. Since it is not born, it is not destroyed. Since it is not destroyed, it does not reach anywhere (arrive at), since it does not reach any destination, it is neither permanent nor impermanent, since it is neither permanent nor impermanent it is not one nor separate. If they are one, then it is no different from the nature of Dharma, and if that is so, layperson should have seen the nature of Dharma, and acquires the supremely blissful Nirvana; however, since it is not so, we know that they are not one. If they are different, then what the Tathagatas and bodhisattva are practicing are all attachment (chp trc) tenaciously clinging to certain things, not yet liberated, not attaining Bodhi; however, to a Saint (Buddha, etc) the changing skandals and the unchanging (phi chuyn bin) nature of Dharma are truly of the same suchness of truth, the true nature/character, as such, they are not separate/different. As such, one should know that the 5 skandals are neither having nor not having; not born by the elements, nor unborn by the elements, and this is what is known to the Saintly mind, not the realm of others; it is also that which cannot be expressed by language, no nouns, no definition, no causes, no circumstances, cannot be explained using an example, the beginning and ending are all empty, they have always been empty. Such is what is called recognizing the nature of Dharma in the presence of the 5 skandals. Heavenly goddess, any son or daughter of the lineage who wishes to attain the supreme Unsurpassed Enlightenment should practice not having the Way and not having the phenomenon (layperson) -(phi chn phi tc), surpassing thought and all manners of thought; the scenes of the layperson and the scenes of the Saint should be neither one nor separate (phm cnh thnh cnh phi nht phi d), in summary, do not leave the lay
Page 73 of 175

practice, do not leave the Way, that is relying on the nature of the Dharma to practice Bodhi. The Tathagata having said so, the heavenly goddess rejoices, from her seat stands up, let bare the right shoulder, kneels down the right knee, holds the palms together respectfully and bow down to the feet of the Blessed One, saying, Blessed One, just like what you speak about the practice of Bodhi, I now vow to cultivate the practice accordingly At this time, the Heavenly Brahma King of the Saha world system, in the assembly asks the heavenly goddess Treasure Miraculous Light Fulfilling all Wishes, that practice of Bodhi is very hard to develop, how can you become free and well-versed in that practice? The heavenly goddess says, great Brahma, like what the Tathagata speaks, that place is really profound, sentient beings can hardly understand, that is the realm of the Saints, miraculous and hard to know. However, towards this miraculous Dharma, I am able to joyfully abide in there, if these words of mine are true, may all sentient beings in this world full of the 5 impurities be transformed into the bodies having golden light, endowed with 32 good signs, not having the forms of either male or female, sitting on the jaded Lotus altars, enjoying endless bliss, heavenly flowers rain down on their own accord, heavenly music play on their own, all methods of offering become complete and whole. The Heavenly goddess having spoken just so, the sentient beings in this world full of the 5 impurities are transformed into the bodies of golden light, with the great signs of Saints, no male or female forms, sitting on the jaded Lotus altars, enjoying endless bliss just like the Heaven of the Desire realm, no evil ways, jaded trees are beautifully arranged into rows, lotus blossoms made of the 7 precious substances abound in the world, heavenly flowers made of the 7 precious substances rain down on their own accord, heavenly music play on their own. And the Heavenly goddess Treasure Miraculous Light Fulfilling all Wishes transforms her female body into the body of the great Brahma king. At this time, the great Brahma king asks the heavenly goddess Treasure Miraculous Light Fulfilling all Wishes, how do you cultivate the Bodhi practice? The Heavenly goddess replies, great Brahma, just like the moon (reflected) in the water cultivates the Bodhi practice, in the same way I cultivate the Bodhi practice, like a dream cultivating the Bodhi practice, in the same way I cultivate the Bodhi practice, like the sunlight waves cultivating the Bodhi practice, in the same way I cultivate the Bodhi practice, like the echoes cultivating the Bodhi practice, in the same way I cultivate the Bodhi practice. The great Brahma having heard just so, asks, great bodhisattva, based on which meaning do you say so? The heavenly goddess says, Great Brahma, there is no real methods, they are all created from interrelated elements. The great Brahma says, then all lay persons are capable of attaining Bodhi! The heavenly goddess says, what do you mean by that? You should know that laypersons consider the wise and the dim-witted as different, Bodhi and non-bodhi are different, liberation and non-liberation are different, however, great Brahma, the great Saints see that all such methods are equal, without difference,
Page 74 of 175

knowing that the suchness of the nature of Dharma are not one, not separate (different), there is also no middle ground to attach to, non-increasing, nondecreasing. Great Brahma, just like the magician and his disciples, very skillful in practicing magic tricks, they arrive at a cross-road and use various sand, soil, plants and trees etc. gather them all together to make magic tricks, such that other people see elephants, horses, chariots, etc, they also see heaps of 7 precious substances, and an overabundant treasure stores. The ignorant do not learn to analyze, do not understand magic, as such, whatever he sees or hears, he believes them to be true and real, real horses, real elephants, etc. and only that is real, the rest are fake, after that, he no longer consider anything else. On the other hand, the wise know that the roots of all these phenomenon are magic; as such, whatever he sees or hears, he thinks, what I see are all unreal, it is only the magic confusing the beholders, making us think that there are elephants, horses, yet they only exist in names, not anything real; as such, I should not consider what I see as real; afterwards, the more he analyzes, the more he knows them to be unreal. Thus, the Saint knows that all methods are unreal, only the layperson repeats what they sees ore hears, yet they are in truth not so. And because of this, one speaks of something false to say and consider some meaning that is real, true. Great Brahma king, the sentient beings do not have the eyes of the Saints, do not know that the suchness of the Dharma cannot be spoken of (expressed), as such, when they hear or see the changing of the limited methods and the non-changing of the infinite methods (php hu vi chuyn bin vi ci php v vi phi chuyn bin), they consider them as real; in the basis of perception of the Way, they do not understand that the suchness of Dharma cannot be spoken of. On the other hand, the Saints when seeing or hearing of the changing of the limited methods and the non-changing of the infinite methods, depending on the strength of their wisdom, do not maintain or attach to its reality, not considering them to be real; they completely understand that for everything, there is no the changing of the limited methods, nor is there (such thing as) the non-changing of the infinite methods. It is only through ignorance that one sees something as changing or non-changing. Such phenomenon only have names and do not exist. Afterwards, the Saints, relying upon the basis of perception of the lay person, speak to others about the truth of it (which is as such). Great Brahma, the Saints use the insight and understanding of the of the Saints and know that suchness cannot be spoken of, the same goes with changing and non-changing; nevertheless, in order to help others recognize these as they truly are, the Saints speak of many forms in the language of the perception of a lay person. At this time, the great Brahma king asks the bodhisattva Treasure Miraculous Light Fulfilling all Wishes, how many sentient beings are capable of understanding such a profound method as this? Bodhisattva says, great Brahma king, there is the cetasika (that which relies on the mind) and cittaraja (perception) of the people created by those magicians which can understand this profound Dharma. The great Brahma says, the illusory man is not really existing, then where do the perception and that which relies on the mind come from? The bodhisattva says, what I speak is meaningful, if one knows that the nature of the Dharma is non-have, non-not have, one knows the profound meaning of this.
Page 75 of 175

The great Brahma king says to the Tathagata, Blessed One, the bodhisattva Treasure Miraculous Light Fulfilling all Wishes is truly inconceivable, she understands so thoroughly the extremely profound meaning of the Dharma. The Tathagata says, just so, great Brahma king, just like what you say. The Heavenly goddess Treasure of Miraculous Light Fulfilling all Wishes have long instructed you on generating the thought of practicing the Patience of the unproduced Dharma. The great Brahma king and the Brahmas from their seats stand up, let bare the right shoulder, kneel down the right knee, hold the palms together respectfully and bow down to the feet of the bodhisattva Treasure Miraculous Light Fulfilling all Wishes and say, this is truly rare, today, we have come to know the great bodhisattva, able to listen to the meaning of the Dharma that you speak. The Tathagata says to the great Brahma king, this heavenly goddess Treasure Miraculous Light Fulfilling all Wishes, in the future time will become a Tathagata, Arahat, Perfect and Complete Buddha, Knower of the World, One who enters into Nirvana, the Unsurpassed, Tamer of beings to be tamed, the Master of Human and Devas, a Buddha called Treasure Auspicious body. When the Tathagata speaks of this Dharma, there are 3000 countless bodhisattva who attain the position of one who never turns away, 8000 countless devas sons and countless kings together with their retinues leave impurities and stains, acquiring the pure Dharma eyes. At this time, in the assembly there are 50 countless monks who practice the virtues (precepts) of bodhisattva, yet about to regress in the bodhicitta; however, after they have listened to the Dharma that the bodhisattva Treasure Miraculous Light Fulfilling all Wishes spoke, they achieve the inconceivable unwavering state, fulfilling the supreme wish, regenerate the bodhicitta, and undo their garments to offer to the bodhisattva; they reinitiate the supreme ongoing (exerting effort) will power, and pray for all their roots of virtues to be firmly rooted and irreversible, all dedicating these merits to the Unsurpassed Enlightenment. The Tathagata says to the great Brahma king: these great monks, thanks to the merits and virtue (created) through this act, will cultivate their virtues just as taught, and after 90 great eons, they will become enlightened, and be liberated from samsara. The Tathagata makes a prediction, monks, after 30 countless eons, you will become Buddha, in the age called King of Light that is Difficult to Vanquish, your Buddha field is called Stainless Light. You will all attain enlightenment at the same time, with the same name called Vowing to Decorate Strength King (Nguyn trang nghim gin sc vng), with the ten complete titles. Great Brahma King, this Golden Light Sutra provides great strength and benefits to those who listen and remember (It) correctly. Suppose someone cultivates the 6 paramitas in hundreds of thousands of great eons, and yet does not have the correct perception of emptiness (as the means), on the other hand, if there is any son or daughter of the lineage who copies this Sutra of the Golden Light, and recite it whole-heartedly biweekly, the merit created by the previous one is not equal to
Page 76 of 175

1/100th the merit of the latter, even calculations, numbers or analogies cannot be used to compare (the two heaps of merits). Great Brahma King, as such, the Tathagata encourages you to cultivate and learn, achieving the state of mindfulness, uphold, and vividly repeat to others. Why is that so, since in the past, when the Tathagata walked on the path of a bodhisattva, like a soldier sallying forth in battle, I do not withhold (spare) my life to circulate this miraculous king of Sutra, accept, keeping it in mind, analyze, recite and explain to others. Great Brahma king, if the Wheel Turning king remains, the 7 precious substances will still remain, but if the Wheel turning king is lost, all 7 precious substances will naturally be lost. Similarly, great Brahma king, if this King of Sutra the Golden light still remains, the Supreme Dharma treasure will remain, if It is lost, the Dharma Treasure will hide itself from view. As such, towards this king of sutra, you should whole-heartedly listen to, accept, keep in mind, analyze and recite to memory, explaining in various ways to others, encouraging them to copy and cultivate by the paramita of exerting effort, not sparing lives, not shaken by fatigue. This is the supreme merit among all merits. As disciples of the Tathagatas, you should diligently cultivate and practice as such. The great Brahma king together with countless brahma, Indra and the Four Heavenly Kings, together with the Yaksas, from their seat stands up, let bare the right shoulder, kneels down the right knee, holds the palms together respectfully and say to the Blessed One, we will together protect and circulate this Sutra of the Golden Light. We vow to protect the priests who speak of this Sutra. We will eliminate all unfortunate incidents, endowing them with all kinds of auspiciousness, making their forms and strength become abundant, having an unhindered flow of eloquence, the mind and body become peaceful and blissful. And we will give the Saints the same kind of benefits. We will also offer our help to the country they live in- if that country is threatened by thirst, hunger, enemies, bandits or demons and gods; so that none can disturb and come to harm that country. If the people live in harmony and peace, having abundant properties, not experiencing any unfortunate events, not threatened with foreign enemies, then they should know that it is thanks to the our might and power (the devas). Whoever makes offering to this Sutra, we will respectfully offer to them just like to the Tathagata, no difference. The Tathagata speaks to the great Brahma king, how benign, Brahmas, the Four heavenly kings, together with the retinues of Yaksa; now that you have heard this profound and miraculous Dharma, and also made a vow to protect this king of Sutra, also protecting those who uphold this Sutra, thanks to this act, you will acquire supreme and infinite merits, you will quickly attain Unsurpassed Enlightenment. The great Brahma, and everyone, having listened to the Tathagatas words, rejoice and respectfully accept the teaching of the Tathagata
Chapter 11: Heavenly Kings Observing

Page 77 of 175

At this time, the Heavenly king Much Listening, the Heavenly king Protecting Nations, the Heavenly king Growth and Increase, the Heavenly king Great Position (Qung mc), the four Heavenly kings, from their seats stand up, let bare the right shoulder, kneel down the right knee, hold the palms together respectfully and bow down to the feet of the Blessed One, saying, Blessed One, this Sutra of the Golden Light is often known to the Tathagatas, respected by the bodhisattvas, all groups of heavenly dragons often give offering, all devas often rejoice, all Dharma protectors often praise. This Sutra is upheld by the Disciples and Solitary Enlightened beings. This Sutra has the power to light up and blaze the palaces of the devas, the power of give great joys to sentient beings, the power to stop all sufferings in the evil ways, the power to eliminate all fears, disband all inimical forces, make full one who hungers and thirsts, cure all epidemic, dissolve hundreds of thousand suffering. Blessed One, this Sutra of the Golden Light has the power to give such benefits, even for us. Pray the Tathagata please elaborate more on this. We, the Four heavenly great kings, together with our retinues, having heard such supreme taste of the dews of immortality, will strengthen our bodies, increase our might and light, we will also strengthen our power of exertion of effort and supernatural abilities. Blessed One, we the Four Heavenly kings follow the righteous Dharma, often using the Dharma to serve the world. We also encourage the 8 kinds of Nagas and the human kings to follow the Dharma and serve the world, stopping and eliminating all wickedness. All kinds of demons that have to compassion, often stealing the subtle force within the human body; we will chase them away. Blessed One, we the Four Heavenly kings, together with the great generals of the 28 kinds of Yaksa and countless hundreds of thousands of Yaksa retinues, will use the pure heavenly eyes (which is more far-seeing and transparent compared to fleshy eyes), to observe and support this Jambudvipa world. As such, Blessed One, we are known as the protector of the world. In this great Jambudvipa world, if there is any king who often suffers from the threat of foreign forces, his citizens is often hunger-stricken and having many illnesses; they experience such hundreds of thousand disasters, then we, Blessed One, will offer to them the Sutra of the Golden Light. And if there is any monk who upholds and recites this Sutra, we together will come to his place and make request of him; that monk, thanks to our might and request, will travel to such nation and speak widely and disseminate this Sutra of the Golden Light. Thanks to the might of this Sutra, all hundreds of thousands of disasters will be averted. Blessed One, once the monk who upholds this Sutra travel to that kingdom, they should know that this Sutra also arrives in their kingdom. As such, Blessed One, those kings should gather at the place where that monk is, to listen to this Sutra. Having listened, they will rejoice, respectfully give offering to the monk, whole-heartedly protecting him sho that he will be free of worry and concentrates on speaking this Sutra, to benefit all. Blessed One, just for this Sutra, we the Four Heavenly Kings will together protect that king and his citizens, helping them stay away from harms, often abiding in peace. Blessed One, if
Page 78 of 175

there is any monks, nuns, male holder of lay precepts, female holder of lay precepts, who uphold this Sutra, that king should give offering and provide them with all necessities, not missing in anything; if that king can do that, we the four Heavenly Kings will protect that king and his citizens, helping them stay away from harms, often abiding in peace. Blessed One, if there is anyone who recite and uphold this Sutra, and the king respectfully gives offering, respects, and praise (to them), we will make that king become the most respected one among the kings, all other kings will often praise that king. The assembly having heard these words, rejoices, accept and keep in mind.
Chapter 12: Heavenly Kings protecting the kingdom

At this time, the Tathagata having heard the four great Heavenly kings respectfully make offering to the Sutra of the Golden Light, and promising protect those who uphold this Sutra, (the Tathagata) praises how benign, the 4 great Heavenly kings, you have respectfully given offerings to countless Tathagatas in the past, sowing roots of virtues, practicing according to the Dharma, speak according to the Dharma and use the Dharma to serve the world. Towards the sentient beings, you often think of ways to benefit them, generating the thought of great compassion and vowing to bring happiness to them. Thanks to these acts, you will enjoy great results. If there is any king who respectfully gives offering to the Sutra of the Golden Light, you should diligently support (him and his citizens), helping them rest peacefully. If the 4 great Heavenly kings and countless Yaksa retinues support and protect this Sutra, it is the same as offering protection and support to the righteous Dharma of the Tathagatas in the past, present and future, as such, you and the devas, Yaksas often triumph over the Asura. If you uphold this Sutra, thanks to the power and might of this Sutra, all sufferings, enemies, hunger, thirst and sickness will be eliminated. As such, if you see anyone among the 4 kinds of Disciples of the Tathagata uphold this Sutra, you should together support them, eliminating all harms and bringing joy to them. The Four Heavenly Kings, at this time, from their seat stands up, let bare the right shoulder, kneel down the right knee, hold the palms together respectfully and say, Blessed One, in the future time, in any country, town, village, forest, countryside, wherever this Sutra of the Golden light is circulated, the king at that place should whole-heartedly listen, praise, give offering and serve those among the 4 kinds of Disciples who uphold this Sutra, helping them stay away from suffering and sorrow. Because of this reason, we will support that king, and his citizens, everyone will dwell in peace, leaving all worries and sorrow, their lifespan will increase, merits and virtues will be complete and whole. Blessed One, if that king sees anyone among the
Page 79 of 175

4 kinds of Disciples who uphold this Sutra, and respectfully protecting them just as if they were his own parents, giving them all they need, then we the 4 Heavenly kings will often protect that king, so that everyone will respect that king. We and countless Yaksa gods will hide ourselves to protect this Sutra, wherever this Sutra is, not obstructing It in any way. We will also protect those who listen to this Sutra, and the king as well, so that all their sufferings will be eliminated, and we will bring joy to them; enemies from foreign countries will also be repulsed. As such, when the king of any country listens to this Sutra, and the foreign forces want to invade his land, Blessed One, thanks to the might of this Sutra, we and countless Yaksa retinues will hide ourselves and support that country, so that the foreign forces will resign on their own, not daring to cross over the borders, no need to speak of using weapons to fight. The Blessed One say to the 4 Heavenly Kings, well-said, it is very good that you can give such protection and support to this Sutra. Countless eons ago, the Tathagata cultivated all kinds of difficult ascetic practices, having attained the Unsurpassed Enlightenment, and the Buddhas wisdom, as such, I can speak of this Sutra today. If there is any king who can uphold this Sutra, respectfully giving offering, the power of this Sutra will make that king become free from all harms, attaining bliss, and all the lands of that king will be free from foreign threats. The power of this Sutra can also make all kings in the Jambudvipa world be free from harms and wars. You should also know that there are 84000 countries and kings in the great Jambudvipa world system, all kings will be joyful, free, having abundant wealth, enjoying great bliss, and not waging wars against one another. Each one will enjoy ones good results (ripening of virtuous actions) depending on the deeds one did in the previous lives, no one will think evil, or desirous of invading other nations. Everyone will reduce their greed, wanting to benefit others, not creating the burden and suffering caused by wars. The citizens of these kings will also love one another; the rich and poor will live in harmony, merging with one another like milk and water; they will respect one another, living in joice and serenity, virtuous and humble, cultivating the roots of virtue. As a result, the great Jambudvipa world will become peaceful, populous, rich, having fertile lands, heat and cold are well-regulated, the weather will be appropriate, the moon, the sun and various other planets will run their normal courses, rains will arrive in time, there will be no natural disasters, having abundant wealth, generous tendency, often practicing offering with wisdom, sufficient with the 10 virtuous deeds, and when they die, most of them are reborn to the devas world, the population of devas increases. 4 Great Heavenly Kings, in future lives, if there is any king who listens to this Sutra, respectfully gives offering and upholds this Sutra, that king will be honored among the 4 types of Disciples of the Tathagata, it will also bring benefits to you and your retinues, the countless Yaksas. As such, the kings should listen to this King of Sutra. The water of the Righteous Dharma with the taste of the sweet dews of immortality will increase your strength and gait, benefitting both your mind and body, so that you will be fortified and steady in exerting efforts, sufficient with all merits, virtues and solemnity. If these great kings whole-heartedly listen to
Page 80 of 175

this Sutra, they are at the same time giving rare and great offerings to Me, the Sakyamuni Tathagata. Giving offering to the Tathagata is the same as giving offerings to countless Tathagatas in the past, present and future. If one offers to the Tathagatas in the 3 times, one attain the inconceivable mass of merits. For such reasons, you should protect the kings and their retinues, ministers in the palace, so that everyone will be free from harms, attaining bliss and inconceivable roots of virtues. The citizens of that kingdom will also enjoy all kinds of the 5 pleasures, all wickedness will be dispelled. The 4 Heavenly Kings say, Blessed One, in future time, if there is any king who likes to listen to this Sutra of the Golden Light to (pray for and) bring about great bliss to ones self and the retinues, to ensure great stability in the throne, achieving the infinite mass of merits, making the citizens and the kingdom free from foreign threat, free from sorrow, from disasters, then Blessed One, that king should not be reckless, his mind should not wander; he should respectfully and sincerely wish to listen to this Supreme king of Sutras. To do this, the king should first arrange a palace, choosing the one that is easiest to see, the one that he cherishes the most, by spraying perfumes on the ground, scattering many renowned types of flowers, arranging the most beautiful Lion altar, covered with precious gemstones and pearls, with a canopy and banners on top, then burn precious and expensive incense, play many pleasing songs. The king himself should bathe cleanly and apply perfume on his body, wearing new clothes and many strings of pearls, seated on a smaller altar, not self-conceited, leaving the high altar, leaving pride, in order to listen to this King of Sutra with mindfulness and sincerity. Towards the priest that arrives, the king should think (of the priest) as the great master; the king should have the heart of compassion towards his relatives, looking at one another happily, peaceful mien, speaking kind and gentle words, the king himself is flooded with a pure great joy, thinking to himself, now that I have acquired a great benefit from offering great respect towards to King of Sutras. The King having prepared thus, when in front of the priest, shows great respect, desirous (of hearing the Dharma), and great admiration. The Blessed One speaks to the 4 great Heavenly Kings- that king should not be reluctant to lead the way for the priest. That King should wear clean clothes, himself adorned with many strings of pearls and gems, and hold a white canopy with perfumes, with many musical instruments by the side, and walk out of the palace to solemnly welcome the priest, exerting his mental faculty to respectfully do the work of wishing auspiciousness. 4 Heavenly Kings, why should the king himself do such respectful offerings? The reason is that every time the king lifts his foot up, places his foot down, in every single step he has been making offerings to countless Tathagatas, having crossed over that much suffering caused by samsara, having in future time attained the position of Wheel turning kings for (such) that many times. Moreover, depending on each step, his virtues and merits will grow in the present, he will enjoy a stable reign, achieving inconceivably many virtuous results, and he will
Page 81 of 175

be respected by the people; in the future time, he will be born in palaces made of the 7 precious substances in the world of human and devas for countless eons, wherever he is born, he will live as a king, having a long lifespan, and great eloquence, earning trust and respect from the devas, fearless, having great reputation, admired by all, enjoying great bliss in the human and deva world, attaining great strength, great power and virtues, magnificent body forms, supremely solemn, able to meet the Teacher of human and devas, seeing virtuous friends, accomplishing the infinite mass of merits. The 4 great Heavenly kings should know, since that king is able to see such benefits, he should himself come to lead and welcome the priest, from 1 yojina to hundreds of thousand yojinas. He should think of that priest as the Tathagata. Having arrived at the palace, he thinks- it is just the Tathagata who has been welcomed to my palace, who has received my gifts of offering, who speaks to me about the miraculous Dharma. Furthermore, when I have heard the Dharma, I will never turn away from Unsurpassed Enlightenment; I will be able to see countless Tathagatas. Today I have played great musical instruments, and used many kinds of supreme gifts to offer to the Tathagatas in the three times. Today, I have forever uprooted the cause of misery in the Yama realms, I have sown the seeds of virtues of Brahma kings, Indra, Wheel Turning king. Today, I will help countless sentient beings escape from samsara and reach Nirvana, accumulating inconceivable mass of merits; I will make my relatives and citizens live in peace, and my kingdom will be free from all harms, foreign forces and enemies will be unable to disturb and invade, staying away from all sorrow and suffering. 4 Great Heavenly kings, that king should be that respectful towards the miraculous Dharma, also gives offering, respect and praise towards the 4 kinds of Disciples of the Tathagata. Afterwards, he should take the supreme merits acquired from this virtuous deed to dedicate to you, and your retinues. If he can do so, he will have a great mass of merits as the cause, and as a result, he will enjoy great freedom, strengthen his authority; all auspiciousness and good forms will be brought to completion; towards all kinds of enemies, he is able to use the Dharma to subdue them. At this time, the 4 great Heavenly Kings say, Blessed One, if any king wishes to pay homage to the miraculous Dharma, wishes to listen to this king of Sutra, and respectfully makes offering to the 4 kinds of Disciples who uphold this king of Sutra, and wanting to bring us joy, that king should arrange chairs and tables near the Dharma altar, spray perfumes and scatter flowers for us. We will listen to the Dharma together with the king. If the king acquires some roots of virtues, he will take a part of the merits of that root of virtues to dedicate to us. Blessed One, when the king requests the priest to step on the Dharma altar, he will at the same time burn various kinds of precious incense for us to offer to this king of Sutra, Blessed One, the smoke from that incense, in just an instant, gathers in the air, travels to our palace and becomes a canopy in space. We devas will notice the good scent of the incense, and see that the smoke has a golden light, illuminating brightly our palaces, shining to the palaces of the Brahma, Indra, Great Heavenly Eloquence, Great Heavenly Auspiciousness, Earth God, Great General of Knowledge and Correct
Page 82 of 175

Understanding, the devas of the 28 kinds of Yaksas, Great Heavenly Freedom, Vajra Lord, Great General Treasure Benign, the Demon mother Haridi and 500 demon sons, the Naga king of the lake called Not having heat of defilement, the Naga kings of the Ocean. Blessed One, such devas and gods, in their individual palaces, will see that smoke in an instant become a great canopy, noticing the pleasing scent of the smoke, and seeing the light of that incense smoke arrive at all palaces of the devas and gods. The Blessed One says to the 4 Great Heavenly Kings, that smoke, together with the sweet scent and light, not only flies to, and becomes a smoke cloud and canopy, projecting great light to the palaces (that you can see). The incense that the king himself burns in the incense pot to offer to this king of Sutra, in an instant, flies towards the great heavenly worlds together with their hundreds of countless suns and moons, hundreds of countless mount Sumeru, hundreds of countless 4 continents. In the palaces of all 8 kinds of beings in the great Heavenly world, that incense smoke fills up the whole space, becoming clouds of smokes and canopies, the golden light of this canopy illuminates the palace of the devas and gods. All these canopies and smoke cloud in the great Heavenly worlds are all thanks to the might and power of the king of Sutra the Golden Light. However, the incense that the king himself burns in the incense pot to offer to this king of Sutra not only travels to the great Heavenly worlds, but it also, in an instant, travels to countless Buddha field. Above the Tathagatas, in space, the incense smoke also gathers to form clouds and canopies, illuminating light with the golden color. All Tathagatas notice the scent of that miraculous incense cloud, able to see the incense cloud and canopies with the golden light that appears in front of countless Tathagatas, the Tathagatas will observe and with different voices, all praise the priest, how benign, great person, you have the capability to circulate this miraculous Dharma! As such, you have achieved the inconceivable mass of merits. Whoever listens to you speak the Dharma will acquire innumerable mass of merits, no need to speak of those who copy, accept, keep in mind, analyze, recite to memory, speak to others, practice according to what is taught in the Sutra. Why is that so, it is because, child of the lineage, whoever listens to this Sutra of the Golden Light will never turn away from Unsurpassed Enlightenment. The Tathagatas in countless Buddha field will sit on the Dharma altar, with different voices yet the same speech, praise the priest, how benign, child of the lineage, in future lives, thanks to the power of exertion of effort, you will cultivate and engage in countless arduous activities, sufficient with the two kinds of wisdom and merits, surpassing the benign Saints, surpassing the 3 realms, becoming the supreme and Unsurpassed, you will sit under the Bodhi tree solemnly, capable of helping sentient beings who are related to you in the great heavenly worlds, skillfully subduing the fearsome armies of Mara, achieving the wisdom and knowledge of all methods, supreme methods, pure, profound, unsurpassed and correct, in all places. Child of the lineage, you will sit on the Vajra altar, revolving the supreme wheel of Dharma, you will be praised by the Tathagatas, sufficient with 12 miraculous forms of practice, extremely profound. You sound the great Dharma
Page 83 of 175

drum, blow the miraculous Dharma conch, hang the high banners of Dharma, light the bright torch of Dharma, let down the rain of the sweet Dharma, severing away countless knots of defilements, helping countless sentient beings cross over to the shoreless and fearsome sea, terminating endless cyclic existence of birth-death, and able to meet countless Tathagatas The 4 Heavenly kings say, Blessed One, this Sutra of the Golden Light, in the present and future time, can accomplish such numerous merits. As such, any king who is able to listen to this miraculous Dharma has already cultivated roots of virtues in countless Tathagatas. We will also support that king. Also, because of seeing countless benefits, we the four heavenly kings, together with countless gods and retinues, after having seen the incense smoke appear as canopies in our palace, will hide ourselves and arrive at the Dharma preaching place, which is the best palace among the kings palace. The Brahma, Indra, Great Heavenly Eloquence, Great Heavenly Auspiciousness, Earth God, Great General of Knowledge and Correct Understanding, the devas of the 28 kinds of Yaksas, Great Heavenly Freedom, Vajra Lord, Great General Treasure Benign, the Demon mother Haridi and 500 demon sons, the Naga king of the lake called Not having heat of defilement, the Naga kings of the Ocean, countless devas and yaksas will hide themselves at the place of the Dharma altar- also the best palace of the king, in order to listen to the Dharma. Blessed One, we the 4 great Heavenly Kings together with our Yaksa retinues, will become virtuous friends for the king. Since you (the king) are the great giver of Dharma, bringing the sweet dews of immortality to strengthen us, we will protect you, and drive away all harms that may come to you, you will be made peaceful, also your palace, kingdom and citizens will be free from all harms The four great Heavenly kings hold the palms together and say, Blessed One, if in any kingdom, the king does not circulate this Sutra, wanting to abandon this Sutra, not willing to listen, not praising or making offering, not respecting or making offering to the 4 kinds of Disciples of the Tathagata who uphold this Sutra, then we and our relatives, and countless devas, will not be able to listen to the profound and miraculous Dharma, losing the taste of the dews of immortality, no longer having any power and strength, the evil realms thrive, the number of devas reduced, they fall to the river of birth-death, losing the path to Nirvana. Blessed One, when we the 4 great Heavenly kings and our Yaksa retinues see this, we will abandon that kingdom, not having the heart to protect it. We are not the only one to leave that kingdom; even the great gods who make a vow to protect that kingdom will also leave. When we have left, the kingdom experiences great calamities. The status of that nation is lost. The citizens no longer have virtuous minds. There is only imprisonment, massacre, vengeance, fight, calumny, flatter, the weak are destroyed, epidemics become rampant, comets often appear, 2 suns appear at the same time, irregular lunar and solar eclipse, 2 black and white rainbows appear, falling stars, earthquakes, echoing sounds from the well, heavy rains, violent winds, altered weathers, hunger, failed crops, enemies and bandits invade that country, the citizens will suffer, there is no
Page 84 of 175

peace in that country. Blessed One, when we the 4 great Heavenly kings, countless devas and the gods who protect that country left, there will be great catastrophes in that country. Blessed One, any king who wishes for prosperity and peace for the country, wishing for the citizens to abide peacefully, vanquishing foreign forces and make his kingdom flourish, wanting to circulate the righteous Dharma and eliminate all wickedness, then, Blessed One, that king should listen to this miraculous King of Sutra, should offer to those who uphold this Sutra. If he can do that, we and countless devas and gods will benefit greatly thanks to roots of virtues that come from listening to the Dharma, and tasting the dews of immortality, even our retinues and devas, gods will also benefit greatly, why, it is because the king whole-heartedly listen to and accept this Sutra. Blessed One, for the benefits of sentient beings, the Brahma king often speaks of the methods that transcend the world, Indra often speaks of various kinds of methods, and the devas (tin nhn ng thng) often speak all kinds of methods (lun thuyt). Though the Brahma king, Indra and the well-versed devas can speak of countless methods, the Tathagata speaks of the Golden Light Sutra for the benefits of sentient beings; compared to the above methods, the qualities (of the Golden Light Sutra) is countless times superior, impossible to make an example. Why? This Sutra has the power to let all great kings in the Jambudvipa world to bring the righteous Dharma and serve their respective country; it has the power to bring great peace to sentient beings, and makes the kings, ministers and the citizens of that nation stay away from suffering, not harmed by foreign invaders, all wickedness they are able to leave far, the country will be free from all disasters, subdue everyone using the Dharma, there will no longer be any argument and protest. As such, each king in his respective kingdom should light up the torch of the Dharma to shine forth to infinity, increasing the number of devas and the devas retinues. Blessed One, we the Four great Heavenly kings together with countless devas and gods, the yaksas and all gods in the Jambudvipa world will be able to drink the supreme taste of the dews of immortality thanks to the kings deeds; we will acquire great powers, our light and might all become sufficient, and all sentient beings will thereby acquire bliss; in the future countless of eons they will often enjoy great happiness; meet the Tathagatas, sow good roots of virtues, and attain the Unsurpassed Enlightenment. All such great benefits are thanks to the Tathagata, who uses great compassion surpassing (that of) the Brahma king, great wisdom surpassing Indra, great arduous activities surpassing the well-versed devas, use the experience over countless eons, to speak of this miraculous Sutra for the benefits of sentient beings, making all kings and citizens in the whole Jambudvipa world understand the methods of national management and civil education, in the boundary (limit) belonging to the world. Thanks to the circulation of this Sutra, every place enjoys great bliss and peace. All such merits are thanks to the Tathagatas might of compassion, our great master, widely speaking of this sutra. Blessed One, as such, the king should uphold, give
Page 85 of 175

offering and respectfully praise this miraculous king of Sutra. Why, this Sutra brings such inconceivable merits to benefit all, as such, it is also called the Supreme Lord Sutra. At this time, the Blessed One speaks to the 4 great Heavenly kings- if you and your retinues together with countless devas see any king who whole-heartedly listen, make offering and respectfully praise this Sutra, you should protect that king from all harms, and also bringing great bliss to them. Among the 4 kinds of Disciples of the Tathagata, anyone who can circulate this king of Sutra, is actually doing great work for the Tathagata in the world of human and devas; these people bring great benefits to countless sentient beings. You the four great Heavenly kings should protect such people and do not let other work distract them (from the main task). Do make their mind and body abide in peace so that they can continuously spread this king of Sutra, thereby bringing benefits to sentient beings until the end of time. At this time the Much Listening Heavenly King from his seat stands up and says to the Tathagata, Blessed One, I have a mantra called Wish Fulfilling Jewel. Anyone who likes to uphold this mantra creates infinite merits. I will always protect that person, helping them stay away from suffering and enjoy great bliss, having the power to fulfill the 2 kinds of treasure- merits and wisdom. To uphold this mantra, one should first uphold the mantra of self-protection. The Much Listening Heavenly King speaks the mantra of self-protection: Namo Vaisravanayamaharajaya tadyatha ra ra ra ra kunu khunu khunu sapa sapa mahavikarama mahavikarama maharaja raksa raksantu nam sarva sattvanam svaha Blessed One, to uphold this mantra, one should first take a white string, recite the mantra 7 times, each time making a knot from the white string; afterwards tie the string behind the elbow. This will complete the method of self-protection. Afterwards, one should bathe cleanly, wear new clothes and use incense such as an tuc, sandalwood, long nao, to hap, da ye la, huan luc, each of an equal proportion, mix them together and burn these incense together in a pot to make offering. And then, in a quiet room, recite the mantra of summoning me, the Much Listening Heavenly king. Then, the Much Listening Heavenly king speaks the mantra of summoning: Namo Vaisravanya namo Danadaya danesvaraya akarsa aparimita danesvara parama karunika sarva sattvahitacinta mama dana vardhaparye svayam akarsa svaha. Only after having recited this mantra 7 times do one recite the primary mantra of Wish Fulfilling Jewel. To chant this Wish Fulfilling Jewel mantra, one must first chant the names and bow down to the 3 Jewels, then bow down to me, saying these words- Much Listening Great Heavenly king, the one who has the power to give much treasure, making all wishes become true, fulfilling all bliss. Having bowed down and said so, one then chant my Wish Fulfilling Jewel mantra, Much Listening Heavenly King, the mantra that has the power to bring about great bliss. The Much Listening Heavenly King in front of the Tathagata speaks of the Wish Fulfilling Jewel mantra: Vaisramanaya maharajaya tadyatha simi simi sumu sumu canda canda care care sara sara kara kara kiri kiri kuru kuru muru muru curu curu sadaya atmanam
Page 86 of 175

nityam antara dhatu svaha; namo Vaisramanaya svaha dhanadaya svaha namoratha paripurilkaya svaha. Blessed One, to uphold this mantra of Wish Fulfilling Jewel, one should first recite it 1000 times, in the pure place, use cu ma to apply on the ground, making a small ritual site. Also one-mindedly bring offering of food depending on the time of the day. Often burn valuable incense, such that the smoke does not cease. Afterwards, recite the mantra Wish Fulfilling Jewel, day and night focusing ones attention in that. Recite in such a way that only the speaker can hear; do not let others know. At this time, there will be my son, (son of) the Much Listening Great King, called the Prince Thien ni si, appearing in the form of a child, and walk to the place of the person reciting the mantra, and say to him, what is your need, why do you call for my father? The person who chants the mantra should reply, I want to make offering to the 3 Jewels, as such, I need money and properties, pray the Great Heavenly king please grant my wish. The Prince Thien ni si having heard these words, immediately returns and says to me, father, now there is a gentleman who one-mindedly wishes to make offering to the 3 Jewels, yet still lacking in money, thus he calls for you. At this time, I will say, you should hurry and go, each day, bring to him 100 ca li sa ba na. The person who upholds the mantra sees this and knows that he has fulfilled his work. He should stay alone in a quiet place, and burn incense, lie down. Place a perfumed box by the side of his bed. Each morning waking up, when he looks inside the box, he will see the thing he wishes for. Every time he has acquired that property, he should immediately within the span of that day, make offering to the 3 Jewels using flowers and food, also give to those who are poor. He should use up the property in that manner and must not retain anything. Towards all sentient beings, that person should generate the heart of compassion; do not bear anger or hatred, deceit, flatter or causing harm. If there is anger, the potency (of the mantra) will be lost. That person should keep his mind from anger. Moreover, when chanting the mantra of Wish Fulfilling Jewel; everyday, that person should think about me, the Much Listening Heavenly King, together with my sons, daughters and relatives, often give praise, admirations and the (commitment of the) ten virtuous deeds to support us mutually, so that we devas will increase our strength of merits, our roots of virtues will also grow, attaining Unsurpassed Enlightenment. When we, the devas, see this, we (everyone) will be joyous; all together we will protect the person who upholds the mantra. The lifespan of that person (the person who upholds the mantra) will be increased, forever parting from the 3 evil realms, often eliminating all calamities. That person will also be made to acquire the Wish Fulfilling Jewel, hidden treasures under the ground, great supernatural powers, all wishes will become true; wishes for high positions, honor, nothing will be amiss. Moreover, that person will be able to understand the language of animals. Blessed One, if the person who upholds this mantra of Wish Fulfilling Jewel wishes to see (me in) my own body, then on the 8th or the 15th every month, that person should take white cloth to draw the image of the Tathagata, using resin and various
Page 87 of 175

colors to paint and draw. The person who draws should be given the transmission to keep the 8 precepts (Bt quan trai). On the left of the statue of the Tathagata, draw the image of the Auspicious Heavenly goddess, on the right of the statue of the Tathagata, draw the image of me, the Much Listening Heavenly king, also draw my sons, daughters and relatives. After that, arrange them correctly. Arrange many colorful flowers and burn famous incense. Also light the lamp day and night, not extinguishing it. Present supreme and exquisite food, many rare things, all wholeheartedly offered according to time. To uphold the mantra of Wish Fulfilling Jewel, one should not have an idle mind. And when requesting me to arrive, that person should chant this mantra: Namah Sri kannaya buddhaya namo Vaisramanaya yaksarajaya maharaja adhirajaya namah sriye mahadevye tadyatha tara tara turu turu bala bala susuddhi hana hana manikanaka vajravaidurya muktikalamkrsta sariraya sarvasattva hitakama Vaisramanasriya devipradhaya ehy ehi mavilamba ghurna ghurna prasya dadhahi mama amakanamaya darsana kamasya darsanan mama mana pariharadhaya svaha. Blessed One, when I see that person uphold the mantra, also seeing them make such magnificent offering, I will rejoice and have affection for that person. I will transform my body into the body of a child, an old person, a monk, holding in one hand the Wishing Jewel and a bag of gold to enter the ritual site; my body (acts) shows great respect, my speech will be maintained with the chanting of the Tathagatas name, and I will say to the person who upholds the Fulfilling Wishes Jewel mantra, whatever you wish for I will satisfy, from wanting to hide in the forests, creating (refining?) gemstones, being well-liked by all, wanting gold, silver, wanting to acquire quick results from chanting any mantra, to having supernatural abilities, great longevity, supreme joy, I will grant you all. Now I will only speak briefly as such. If that person wishes for more, I will satisfy all his wishes. Endless wealth (treasures), infinite merits and virtues. Suppose wanting the moon or sun to crash down to earth, or shifting the positions of the ground (earth continent?), my true words are never ineffectual, often enjoying great bliss, happiness upon will. Blessed One, anyone who upholds the king of Sutra the Golden Light, and also recite the Wish Fulfilling Jewel mantra, will not have to exert much effort, yet the results and effectiveness can still quickly be attained. Blessed One, I now speak of the Wish Fulfilling Jewel mantra for all poor people, those who are suffering from sorrow, so that they will reap great benefits, enjoying wealth, freedom, free from sickness, and they will receive my protection for the whole life, I will observe the person who uphold this mantra and eliminate all harms that come to their lives. Within the circumference of 100 steps, I will make light shine on the people who circulate, spread and keep the king of Sutra of the Golden Light, as well as those who uphold the Wish Fulfilling Jewel mantra. Thousands of my Yaksa gods will also offer protection to them, and will follow their commands accordingly, to satisfy all their needs. What I speak is true and sincere, not empty, not false, only the Tathagata knows and witnesses my words.
Page 88 of 175

At this time, when the Much Listening Heavenly king has spoken about the Wish Fulfilling Jewel mantra, the Tathagata says, how benign, Heavenly king, you have the capability to tear apart the net of poverty and suffering of the sentient beings, making them become rich and happy, thus you speak of the Wish Fulfilling Jewel mantra. You also make this king of Sutra become widespread in the whole world. The four great Heavenly kings from their seat stands up, let bare the right shoulder, kneels down the right knee, bow down to the feet of the Blessed One and hold the palms together respectfully and speak the following verses to praise the Tathagata The face of the Tathagata Is like the full moon Like thousands of sun Projecting great light Buddhas eyes are clear, long and wide Just like the petals of the blue lotus Buddhas teeth are uniform and close together As white as snow and pearls The qualities of the Tathagata Are boundless, just like the sea All great qualities are concentrated here The water of great wisdom and knowledge Is kept full and sufficient The jewel of supreme meditation With great strength in it The circular patterns on the feet of the Tathagata Are beautifully arranged Flat and steady Like a cartwheel Buddhas fingers and toes Have magnificent webs Just like the webs of the feet Of the king of swans The body of the Tathagata Is like a golden mountain Very pure and unique None can compare Also sufficient with all virtues and merits Like mount Sumeru We respectfully bow down To such King of mountain Infinite good signs Just like space Projecting great light Brighter than the sun; Like illusions Which are inconceivable We bow down to the one Who is not attached
The four Great Heavenly Kings having praised the Tathagata just so, Buddha then speaks to them with the following verses The Golden Light Sutra The supreme Sutra Is spoken by the Unsurpassed One
Page 89 of 175

You Heavenly kings should often support and protect Have the mind of great strength And irreversibility, fortified This Sutra is precious Extremely profound It has the capability To bring joy and peace to sentient beings Since it can bring peace to sentient beings It is well circulated In the great Jambudvipa continent But it also makes The great Heavenly worlds All kinds of sentient beings In those worlds Particularly hell realms, Animals or pretas All such evil realms Will be eliminated All kings in the Jambudvipa world Together with their citizens Will be made joyful By the might of this Sutra And they will be protected And kept from harm All mankind in this great continent Will be free from sickness and sufferings No bandits, not hostile enemies Because in that country This Sutra is well taught (circulated) The citizens will live in peace Attaining great bliss and wealth Anyone who listens to this king of Sutra Whether they wish for nobility, Honor or high position Also cool and fresh Wealth or benefits Which can eliminates Wishing for peace, and prosperity for their land All such wishes will be satisfied According to their prayers All heat, hunger and thirst This supreme king is also the same Those who wish for joy and benefits Foreign enmity, invaders Will be repulsed In their hometown They often abide in peace and joy Thanks to the power Of this king of Sutra They will be liberated from suffering Fearlessly Just like the jaded trees Right in ones house Which often bear Instruments of bliss; This supreme Sutra is also the same Bringing magnificent benefits For the king Just like the clear and pure water
Page 90 of 175

Will be made satisfied Just like a person in the house Who has a precious box of jades He will enjoy great benefits and use All at will This supreme Sutra Is also the same One acquires benefits and joy at will Without missing anything You Heavenly king Together with the devas Should make offering To this king of Sutra If you can do this According to what the Tathagata teaches You will have sufficient wisdom and might The present Tathagatas in the ten directions Together protect and support This king of Sutra If Buddha see anyone who recites Or upholds this Sutra Buddha will praise, saying how benign That is very rare Anyone who, while listening To this king of Sutra Experience great bliss suffusing their body And are flooded with great joy and animation That person is often followed and protected By hundreds of thousand Yaksas Wherever that person is The Yaksas will follow and protect In this world system The number of celestial beings is countless Infinite and inconceivable They all listens to This king of Sutra Joyfully protect, and not turning away Whoever listens to this king of Sutra Will have great strength and authority
Page 91 of 175
And will be free Increasing the number of Human and devas Stopping all decadence And increase light

The four Great Heavenly kings, having heard these verses, rejoice and become jubilant, saying to the Tathagata, for a long time we have not heard such profound and miraculous Dharma sound as this, in our heart, joy and sadness (ti) mingle with each other, water flows from our eyes and nose, the whole body trembling, we have witnessed a very rare occasion, inconceivable. The Heavenly kings then scatter heavenly flowers such as mandala and great mandala on the Tathagata. Having offered the Tathagata supremely, they say, Blessed One, each of us (Great Heavenly Kings) has 500 Yaksa retinues, who will often protect this Sutra and the priest who preaches this Sutra, we will use the light of wisdom to support. If that priest forgets any words from this king of Sutra, we will help him recall, not forgetting. We will also offer to that priest the supreme mantra to make the priest become perfect and complete in all manner. We will also make sure wherever this king of Sutra is, It will be well circulated among the dwellers at that place, so that It will not disappear quickly. In the assembly, when the Tathagata speaks of this chapter, countless sentient beings acquire the great eloquence encompassing great wisdom and intelligence, accumulating countless mass of merits, abandoning sorrow and worry, bearing great joy, skillfully understand all kinds of methods and reasoning (lun thuyt), walking on the path of liberation, and never turning away, quickly attaining the Unsurpassed Enlightenment.
Chapter 13: The mantra of Leaving all Outflows

At this time, the Tathagata says to The Saritu Elder, there is a method called the Leaving all Outflows mantra. This is the method in which a bodhisattva cultivates. The Bodhisattvas in the past upheld that method. That method is the mother of the bodhisattvas. The Tathagata having said so, Buddha receives an enquiry from the Saritu Elder, Blessed One, what is the meaning, and words that is contained in a mantra? Blessed One, mantras are not positioned (phi v tr), not surpassing positions. When the Saritu Elder has said so, the Blessed One says, how benign, Saritu, now you have reached the Great Vehicle, trust in the great Vehicle and respect the great Vehicle. Just like what you said, mantras does not have a position (phi v tr), yet not surpassing positions, not having a methods, a door yet not surpassing these doors (ways to enter), not past, not present, not future, not phenomenon, not surpassing phenomenon, not mutual, not surpassing mutuality, not changing, not surpassing change, none is born and none is destroyed. However, for the benefits of the bodhisattva, the Tathagata says- by means of power, righteousness, reasoning basis (l th) and capability, thanks to these 4 facets, the Tathagata establishes a mantra, and this is the fruit and results of the Tathagata, the precepts of the Tathagata, the learning of the Tathagata, the secret of the Tathagata, the birthplace of the Tathagata, as such, it is called the Mantra of leaving all
Page 92 of 175

Outflows, the supreme miraculous methods. The Tathagata having said so, the Elder Saritu says, Blessed One, may you teach us that Mantra. A bodhisattva who gains a firm hold on that mantra will never turn away from Unsurpassed Enlightenment, will make into completion their vows, achieving the state of leaving all Outflows, selfnature of eloquence, achieving greatly rare phenomenon, firmly abiding on the Saints way, all these are thanks to the Mantra of leaving all Outflows. The Blessed One says to Saritu Elder, how benign, just so, just like what you have said. If any bodhisattva attains and consummates this mantra, that person is no different from the Tathagata. Whoever gives offering to that bodhisattva, Elder, you should know that it is the same as giving offering to the Tathagata. Saritu Elder, besides bodhisattva, anyone who listens, upholds, recite and understand this mantra should be reverentially given offering to, just like to the Tathagata. Thanks to this cause, they will achieve the supreme fruit. At this time, the Tathagata speaks of the Mantra of leaving all Outflows mantra for the assembly: Tadyatha sandharani apadharani susampratisthita sunama supratisthita vijayabala satya pratisinja suroha sinjanamati upadhani ubanamani abhisigni abhivyakara subhapati sunisita bahum gunja abhipada svaha. The Blessed One says to Saritu Elder, any bodhisattva who skillfully abides in and exactly upholds this Mantra of leaving all Outflows, one should know that this bodhisattva in one eons to hundreds of thousand eons has made boundless great vows, the body is not harmed by weapons, poisons, water, fire or wild animals. Why, Saritu Elder, it is because the Mantra of leaving all Outflows is the mother of the Tathagatas in the past, the mother bearing the Tathagatas in the future, the mother of the Tathagatas in the present. Saritu Elder, if there is anyone who, in 10 countless eons, has offered 7 precious substances as great as the great heavenly worlds to the Tathagatas, also brings supreme ad exquisite food and clothes to offer in many forms in countless eons; on the other hand, if any one upholds even one word from the Mantra of leaving all Outflows, the merits created from that act is many times more than the previous person, why is that so, Saritu, the Mantra of leaving all Outflows is the supremely profound methods, It is the mother of the Tathagata. At this time, the Saritu Elder, together with the assembly, having listened to the Mantra of leaving all Outflows, rejoices and attains great bliss. Everyone makes a vow to uphold (this Mantra).
Chapter 14: Fulfilling Wishes Treasure jades

At this time, in the assembly, the Blessed One says to the Venerable Ananda, you should know that there is a mantra called Fulfilling Wishes, which makes one stay far
Page 93 of 175

from all harms, also capable of stopping all violent lightnings; it is also spoken by the Tathagatas in the past. And now, in this Sutra, the Tathagata will also speak of this mantra for the assembly. This mantra brings great benefits for human and devas, having pity for the world and as such it gives joy and peace to everyone. At this time, the assembly together with the Venerable Ananda, having heard such words from the Tathagata, one-mindedly regards the Tathagata and listens to the Fulfilling Wishes Mantra. The Tathagata says, the assembly should listen: In the East (of this place) there is a Thunder Lord called Agata, In the South (of this place) there is a Thunder Lord called Satatru, In the West (of this place) there is a Thunder Lord called Chu ta ba, to the North (of this place) there is a Thunder Lord called Sutamani. Any sons or daughter of the lineage who hear the names of these Thunder Lord, and know their position, will be free from all fear and harms. If their names are written on the dwelling place, that place will be free from the fear of Lightning, all kinds of harms and unfortunate incidents, they will not die suddenly (in the wrong time), or die by the wrong causes. At this time, the Tathagata speaks of the Fulfilling Wishes Mantra: Tadyatha nimini nimini nimindhari triloka lokani trisurapani raksa raksa svaha; may there not happens fear, suffering, lightning and piteous death for me and this place. At this time, the bodhisattva Independent Observing the World, in the assembly stands up, lets bare the right shoulder, holds the palms together respectfully and say, Blessed One, now towards the Tathagata and say, Blessed One, now I, before the Tathagata, also wishes to speak summarily about the Wish Fulfilling mantra. This mantra brings great benefits to human and devas, pitying the worlds and protecting it, bringing great joy to all. This mantra has great might and power, able to fulfill all wishes. The great bodhisattva Chenrezig then speaks of that mantra: Tadyatha gate vigate negate pratyarthake pratimitre sudhe mukte vimale prabhasvare andare pandare svete Pandaravarsini Hari Kantari Kapili Pingalaksi Dahdhimukhi raksa raksa svaha, may this place and me be free from all fear and sufferings, even untimely death; may I not see all wickedness, and often protected by the bodhisattva Chenrezig with His great Compassion Light. At this time, the bodhisattva Vajra Attaching also from his seat stands up, hold the palms together and say, Blessed One, now I also wish to speak of the mantra called Non can surpass. This mantra brings great benefits to human and devas, pitying the worlds and protecting it. This mantra has great might and power, able to fulfill all wishes. The bodhisattva Vajra Attaching then speaks of that mantra: Tadyatha muni muni munine hare mati mati sumati mahamati ha ha ha ha mabha inasthite papa vajrapani aham ciri ca svaha Blessed One, this mantra is the unsurpassed protection. I will day and night protect any son or daughter of the lineage who one-mindedly upholds, copies, recite, keep in mind, so that they will be free from all fear, and even untimely death
Page 94 of 175

At this time, the Brahma king, the lord of the Saha world system, also stands up, holds his palms together and respectfully says to the Blessed One, Blessed One, I have a miraculous mantra. This mantra brings great benefits to human and devas, pitying the worlds and protecting it, bringing great joy to all. This mantra has great might and power, able to fulfill all wishes. Brahma king then speaks the mantra: Tadyatha hili mili dhili svaha Brahmapure Brahmamani Brahmagarbhe puspasamsthire svaha Blessed One, this mantra of mine is called Brahma King counteraction, it protects all those who uphold it, they will be free from all fear, Karma retribution and even untimely death At this time, Indra, the lord of the Devas of the 33, also stands up, holds his palms together and respectfully says to the Blessed One, Blessed One, I have a mantra called Vaja xani. This is an extremely bright mantra. This mantra brings great benefits to human and devas, capable of eliminating all fear, even untimely death, it bring joy to ones life. Indra then speaks the mantra Va ja xani: Tadyatha vini varini vandhamadante maninetini Gauri Candali Matangi Pukkasi saraprabha hinamatya tama uttarani maharani dharaniku cakravake savari savari svaha. At this time, the Much Listening Heavenly king, Protecting the world king, King of Growth, Qung mc Heavenly king, such 4 great Heavenly kings also stand up, hold their palms together and respectfully says to the Blessed One, Blessed One, we also have a mantra called Bringing fearlessness to sentient beings. This mantra often protect from all sufferings, giving them joy, increasing longevity, free from all harms, even no untimely death. The four great Heavenly kings then speak of the mantra: Tadyatha puspe supuspe duma parihare aryaparisasidhe santini mukte mamgalye stute sidhavite svaha. At this time, there are also Naga kings, such as the Naga king Manasi, the Naga king Electric Light, the Naga king of the No-heat lake, the Naga king True Electric (in thit), the Naga king Gentle Light, they also stand up from their seats, hold their palms together and respectfully says to the Blessed One, Blessed One, we also have a Wish Fulfilling mantra, which can eliminate all Vicious Electric Flow, eliminating all fears. This mantra brings great benefits to human and devas, pitying the worlds and protecting it, bringing great joy to all. This mantra has great might and power, able to fulfill all wishes, staying away from all untimely death, making all poisons lose their efficacy, all vicious occult magic (gieo c su c), voodoo and attacking mantra, all unpleasant conditions will be eliminated. We now bring this mantra to offer to the Blessed One, we pray that the Blessed One will think of us and accept this mantra, so that we will no longer receive the retribution of having a Naga incarnation, forever eliminating all greed, which gives us so much suffering. We pray that, (due to the act of offering this mantra to the Tathagata), we may eliminate the seeds of greed. The Naga king then speaks of the mantra: Tadyatha acale amale
Page 95 of 175

amrte aksa ye abhaye punya paryapte sarvapapaprasamanye svaha aliye pandu suparniye svaha Blessed One, any son or daughter of the lineage who speaks this mantra, or copies, upholds and recites, respectfully gives offering to, that person will never suffer from lightning and all fears, sorrow or worry, they will not even meet their untimely death, all poisons, demons, voodoo, or leopards, lions, poisonous snakes, mosquitoes, will not come to harm them. At this time, the Blessed One says to the assembly, how benign, all the mantras that you have spoken have great might, capable of granting all wishes to sentient beings. They have great benefits, except for those who are not whole-hearted and persistent (ch tm). The assembly should not doubt about it. The whole assembly, having heard from the Blessed One, rejoices, trusts and accepts.
Chapter 15: The Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess

At this time, in the assembly stands up from her seat, bow down to the feet of the Blessed One and says, Blessed One, I will increase the wisdom of any priest who speaks of this Golden Light Sutra, I will also make him perfect in eloquence and solemn in the art of persuasion. If that priest forgets any words in the Golden Light Sutra, I will make him remember, skillfully opening the eyes of the people, awakening them. I will also give that person a mantra so that he will acquire the completion of dharani. Furthermore, this Golden Light sutra is often upheld by those who have sown roots of virtues in hundreds of thousands of Tathagatas, as such, the Sutra is well circulated in the Jambudvipa world, without terminating untimely, those who listen to this Sutra will acquire inconceivable and unthinkable skills of eloquence, they will have infinite great wisdom, skillful at knowing all kinds of reasoning and techniques; they will quickly be liberated from birth-death, achieving the Unsurpassed Enlightenment; and in the present incarnation, they will have long lifespan, and their lives will be sufficient in all that they need. Blessed one, I will speak about the methods of bathing in medicinal leaves to the priests who uphold and circulate this Sutra, and those who like to listen to this Sutra, in case they are under the influence of malicious stars, or if they are born under inappropriate stars, stars that are opposite (antagonistic) to their base (physical character), or if they are suffering from various transmissible diseases, or wars, nightmares, evil gods, insects, demons, wicked mantras, necromancers, all such wickedness and obstacles are eliminated. The method of bathing is as followed. Use the following 32 kinds of medicinal perfumes, all having equal weight Vaca
Page 96 of 175

Stone in the gall bladder of a bull (gorocana) Sephalica Mahabhaga Manassila Sirisa Indrahasta syamaka sami Sri vibhitaka tvaca musta Agaru Candana Tagara inh t Knnkuma Galava Naradamsa Gorocana Misganta Patna Usira Sallaki Saileya Guggula Sarsapa Sophaghini Nagakesala Sarjarasa
Sukumara Kustha On the day of the B si star, ground the above ingredients into powder, and recite 108 times this mantra: Tadyatha sukrti krti krti kamatale jankarati ukarati indrajanili sakarante vacacile abanti kasikena kudu kudu khakavile kapile kapile kapilamati silamati sandhiduramati paba ka bhamcile Sire Sire satyasthite svaha To follow this procedure One should bathe accordingly And make a ritual site A square, each side 8 elbows long In a quiet and peaceful place At that place, concentrate on ones wish Use ngu phn to apply on the floor On top of it, scatter flowers of various colors And use various bowls Made of pure silver and gold Inside is contained all kinds of exquisite food Or milk and honey
Page 97 of 175
To the four directions of the ritual site Or the 4 doors Arrange 4 people, who guards the place accordingly Ask 4 children Wearing solemn clothes Each one stands in one corner Holding a vase containing water Afterwards, burn an tc hng constantly And play the 5 kinds of music ceaselessly Arrange solemn canopies Also colorful banners

Arrange in the four sides of that ritual site In the middle of the ritual site Place a bright mirror Sharp knives with names 4 knives for each type In the middle of the site Dig a bathtub And planks drilled with holes on top Also take medicinal powder Mix with hot water Also placing it in ritual site Having arranged it as such Recite the mantra of creating a ritual site That mantra is as followed: Tadyatha anrake nayane hile mile gile kikite svaha Having prepared as above, One enters the ritual site And recite the mantra to the pots of water For 21 times And scatter this water To the 4 directions of the ritual site After that, recite the mantra To the hot mixture of medicinal ingredients For 108 times And then, use veils to cover the 4 directions of the ritual site And bathe the whole body The mantra to recite to the water pot and the hot mixture is as followed: Tadyatha sugati vigati vigaca vade svaha Having finished bathing, one brings the water used for bathing and various offering of food in the ritual site to pour down to a river or lake. One then collect the rest together, and wear clean clothes after having bathe. When exiting the ritual site to enter a temple (house), the master of mantra recitation should teach that person the methods of making great vows aimed at eliminating wickedness and cultivating virtuous deeds, and the generation of great heart of compassion towards sentient beings. Thanks to the act of making this vow, all merits and good results will materialize according to ones wish. The Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess then speaks the following verses. Those who are suffering From various kinds of sickness Who do not recover, regardless of the treatments Should bathe according to the above method And recite this king of Sutra Day and night, ones mind should be focused
Page 98 of 175

Doing so whole-heartedly and with concentration And great trust If that is done All sickness will vanish And that person will be free from poverty Stars in the 4 directions Together with the Sun and moon Will use their might to protect such a person And expand his longevity Giving him peace, joy and auspiciousness Increasing merits
All unfortunate incidents will be eliminated After making the vows, that person should chant the mantra of self-protection for 21 times. It is as followed: Tadyatha same visamme svaha; sugate vigate svaha. Vigata vati svaha; Sagarasambudhaya svaha; skanda mataya svaha; nilakantaya svaha; aparajita viryaya svaha; himavantaya svaha; animilavaktaya svaha; namo bhagavate Brah mani svaha; namo Sarasvati maha devye svaha; siddyantu mam mantrapada svaha; dharata vacito Brahmanu manora svaha The Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess having spoken about the methods of bathing, the ritual site, and mantra, walks forward and bows down to the feet of the Tathagata and says, Blessed One, among the 4 kinds of Disciples of the Tathagata, anyone who can uphold, recite, copy or circulate this king of sutra, together with practicing as taught, then no matter where they are, in towns, village, countryside, mountains, forests, temples, I will go to that place, bringing along my retinues to play heavenly music, protecting them, and eliminate all sufferings, sickness, falling stars, mad elephants, epidemic diseases, wars, imprisonment, nightmares, wicked gods, ancient occult practice, voodoo, all such obstacles will be eliminated for the benefits of the one who uphold the Sutra. We will also help the 4 kinds of Disciples of the Tathagata, and those who listen to this Sutra, so that they will quickly cross the sea of birth-death, no longer turning away from Unsurpassed Enlightenment. At this time, the Tathagata having heard of The Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess, praises, how benign, heavenly goddess, you can speak of the mantra, the methods to make a ritual site and perfumed water for the benefits of sentient beings. Your good results and merits created will be unthinkable. Heavenly goddess, you should protect this supreme king of sutra, keeping the spread (flow) of It and do not let It disappear quickly. At that time, The Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess bows down to the feet of the Blessed One and return to her seat At this time, the Brahmin Arjna gandina, called Predicted by great Master, under the might and influence of the Tathagata, stands up among the assembly and praise the Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess.
Page 99 of 175

The Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess Intelligent and progressive Human and devas offerings You are worthy of receiving these Your name is greatly renowned Spreading to all places Granting the wishes Of all sentient beings On the high mountain top At the supreme location Tiling dried leaves to make a hut And in there Weave soft grass to use as clothes No matter where you are Often standing on one leg Nevertheless, devas often assemble One-mindedly praise and make request Pray the Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess The greatly eloquent one Please grant to us The miraculous sound and voice
The Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess accepts the request and speaks the following mantra: Tadyatha miri cyore avate avajevati hingule mingule pingalevati ankhusa maricye sammati visammati agrati makhye taraci taracivati cirsi ciri sirimiri manandhi damakhe maricye pranaparye lokajyestha loka snesthi lokavirye siddha parate bhimamukhi sucicari apratihate apratihatabuddhi namuci namuci mahadevye prati graha namaskara mama buddhi darsahi buddhi apratihata bhavatu sirahame visuddha cito sastrasloka mantra pitaka kapiyadiso tadyatha mahaprabhava hili mili vicaratu vibuddhi mama buddhi suddhi bhagavatye deveyam Sarasvatim karati keyuramati hiri miri hiri miri abhaya me mahadevi Buddha satyena dharma satyena sangha satyena Indra satyena Varuna satyena yelokyesatya satyena tesam satyena satyavacaniya abhaya me maha devi hili mili hili mili vicaratu mama buddhi no namo bhagavati mahadeve Sarasvatya siddhiyantu mantra pada me svaha The Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess having spoken of this mantra, speaks to the Brahmin, how benign, great person, you can bring benefits to those who pray (wish) for miraculous eloquence, jewels and pearls, supernatural abilities and wisdom, so that they will receive these benefits and quickly attaining Unsurpassed Enlightenment, you should know the method of upholding the above mantra. The Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess then speaks the following verses. To uphold this mantra One should first memorize Until one becomes fluent Without any mistake After that pay homage to The Three Jewels devas Praying for them to grant you wishes Bow down to the Buddha Jewel
Page 100 of 175

Together with the Dharma Jewel And The Sangha Jewel Of Bodhisattva, Solitary Enlightened ones, Disciples After that, bow to the Brahma king And Indra, and the Four Great Heavenly Kings Protectors of the world Towards those who cultivate the practice of the Brahma One should whole-heartedly and sincerely bow down in homage Stay in a quiet and peaceful place And recite loudly the above mantra Before the statues of the Tathagata And the heavenly Naga Whatever one has One should offer to all kinds Of sentient beings And generate the thought Of great compassion and sympathy The good signs of the Tathagata With a golden body color Focus ones attention On such good signs The Tathagata strengthens The speaking of the Dharma To those who are suitable. One should practice meditation And skillfully understand the meanings Of that Dharma Also, one should cultivate correctly The concept and meaning of Emptiness Sit in front of the statue of the Tathagta And maintain one-minded mindfulness In His Dharma If that can be done One will accomplish the miraculous wisdom Samadhi And the supreme Dharani The golden mouth of the Tathagata Speaks of the Dharma The wondrous voice that tames Human and devas The sign of Buddhas tongue, Which manifests in a rare way (Is) wide and large, covering The great Heavenly world; One should sincerely keep in mind The miraculous voice from that tongue Without having any doubt Since the Tathagata makes great vows He acquires the inconceivable form (sign) of the tongue, Which often speaking of the Dharma
Page 101 of 175

That is all non-having Just like Empty space, Which has no obstacles The sound, perpetually true and real, Of the Tathagata Thinks about the two signs Granting all wishes Seeing anyone make offering To the Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess Or see the disciples Taking heed of the Teachers advice Having receiving the secret method (from the Teacher) Cherishes and respect It (the method) All wishes will be fulfilled To attain the supreme wisdom One should one-mindedly uphold that method And increase the store of meritorious virtues and wisdom One will definitely succeed Do not cast doubt on this If one wishes for great wealth One will acquire great wealth If one wishes for reputation One will acquire great reputation If one wishes for Liberation One will be liberated One will achieve without fail Do not doubt this. One attains great merits (That are) infinite and boundless And ones wish will be granted accordingly Depending on the heart wish (ni tm) of that person If one can cultivate virtues According to that method One will achieve great results But do not doubt One should choose a clean place Wear clean clothes And make a ritual site Wither great or small, depending on ones wish Take four clean pots (vases) And fill them with good food Together with incense and flowers Make offering at any time one wishes Hang colorful banners Great canopies and flags Apply powder incense and perfumes everywhere To offer to the Tathagata And the Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess
Page 102 of 175

If one wishes to see the celestial beings One will be granted In front of the picture Of the Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess Recite the above mantra for 21 days If one has not seen The Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess One should stay focused And continue for 9 more days If after midnight of the last day One still has not seen One should find a better, purer place And draw the image of The Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess In the correct procedures But not abandoning Day and night without fatigue One will attain countless benefits for oneself And benefits others (which is benefits for oneself) If one dedicates this results To sentient beings Then all that one wishes for One will achieve If one has not been granted the wish Then extend (the practice) to 3 months 6 months or 9 months Even to one year Sincerely makes requests With an unwavering mind If that is done, one will acquire Heavenly eyes, and the power of telepathy
Makes offering and uphold the mantra The Brahmin Kieu tran nhu having heard the Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess speak so, rejoices, becomes euphoric, and praises that it is indeed rare. He also speaks to the assembly, all human and devas in this great assembly should know and listen, I will to praise The Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess by means of the worldly understanding (way). He then speaks the following verses I bow down to The Great Eloquence Heavenly Goddess The one with great courage And great freedom in this world Now I praise the very exalted one With words like those of the ancient Saints Auspicious and complete One with free and flowing mind Intelligent and noble Having great renown,
Page 103 of 175

The mother bearing the whole world Courageous, often practicing The great exertion of efforts Often victorious in battles, Taming and teaching others (on) The practice of compassion and patience Often serve as the elder sister For the Yama king. Often wearing wild silkworm cocoons (kn tm hoang xanh) The appearance is at times beautiful At other times, ugly When ugly, that appearance becomes repugnant to the eyes All such distinctive appearances (vic c th) Surpasses the world Accepting all those who trust and believe Either in a mountain cave In deep and dangerous places Or in a deep tunnel (hole) Or the side of a river Or at an ancient tree Or in the bushes Heavenly goddess often abides in these places Suppose those dwelling in these wild jungles, or on mountains Often make offering to the Heavenly goddess Using the hairs of peacocks To make flags Those people are often protected and sustained By Heavenly goddess Lions, tigers or leopards Often surround Cows, goats, chickens, birds Often gather Shake the great tambourine The sound made from that instrument Is heard by those dwelling On the Tan da mountain Or hold the weapon Hair tied into a round lump And the hand holds Stars, the sun and moon On the 9th and 11th Of the dark moon night One should make offering To the Heavenly goddess Appear as the younger sister Of the To great heavenly being (B t i thin) Having great sympathy When she sees wars
Page 104 of 175

Observing all kinds of sentient beings One cannot find any Who is better than Heavenly goddess (Sarasvati) Often appear in the body of a goddess Rejoicing wooden pictures of bulls (Mc ngu hoan h) Fighting along with (against?) the devas (chin vi ch thin) Often emerges victors Able to live long In the world At times gentle Other times brutal Well-versed in the four kinds of reasoning (minh lun) Of the Brahmins, which has change and transformation within (trong c bin ha) The most free among the devas Creating seeds Together with soil When the heavenly goddesses assemble Sarasvati correspondingly arrives Just like the sea tides Sarasvati rules the various kinds Of Naga gods and Yaksas Capable of taming them all Brahma-virtue goddess Surpasses all other female beings Speaking in truth, just like the Lord of the world In the realms of lords and kings Sarasvati is like a lotus Often acting as the boat (For beings) to cross over the sea of delusion Her face is like a full moon Perfect and much listening The refuge and support Her out-standing (distinctive) eloquence Is like a high mountain Often acting as the stopping place amidst the ocean For those who think of her All kinds of Asura and devas Praise the merits of Sarasvati Even Indra, with his thousand eyes Look at Sarasvati with warm respect Sarasvati can grant all wishes To sentient beings (if they have any) Making them quickly attaining their wishes To those who are eloquent, She perfects their memory capacity She is the foremost Who protects the world
Page 105 of 175

In the worlds in the 10 directions She is the light, often shining Granting the wishes of demons, gods Even animals, all making their wishes come true Among all females She is the mountain that abides long in the world Just like the ancient goddess Often leaving (abandoning) desires Just like the young daughters of devas Her words are truthful Just like those of the Great Lord of the world Observing the worlds With all kinds of beings, Even the devas of the Desire realms I only see Sarasvati Alone triumph over the rest The one who is worthy of praise I do not see anyone who is better than Sarasvati Those who are terrified in battles, Or who fall into the great fire Or falling into dangerous river currents And seeing bandits Sarasvati makes them free from all fear Whoever is captured and imprisoned by the King Or faced with ones foes Who want to kill and harm Yet if that person remembers Sarasvati With unswerving mind He will be liberated from all fear Sarasvati helps both the kind and the wicked The thought of compassion Is ever- present As such, today I sincerely bow down to And pay homage to the great Sarasvati The Brahmin, at that time, praises Sarasvati as followed: I respectfully bow down to the one Who is supreme in the world Who is the mother of all The mother among the mothers The three kinds of world all gives offering to you Your face and appearance Are good-looking and well-liked by the beholders The one with multifarious great virtues Decorating the body Your eyes are like the lotus petals Which are blue, wide and long
Page 106 of 175

Your light of wisdom Is greatly renowned everywhere Just like the precious wish-granting jewels That is priceless I now praise the one who is supreme The one who grants all wishes and wants The one who is greatly auspicious The one who has true merits The one who is like a lotus blossom Which is very pure The one with solemn body features Pleasing to the eyes Rare and good body signs Which are inconceivable Projecting the light of pure wisdom Your thought is above all thoughts Just like the lion, The best among all animals You often have 8 arms to decorate yourself Holding a bow, arrows A sword, a spear, a hammer A mace, an iron wheel Together with the rein Beautiful and pleasing Just like the full moon Your speech is fluent And gentle, harmonious Anyone who wishes for anything This Virtuous friend Will satisfy all wishes Indra, devas all respect And together praise (Sarasvati) The refuge, supporting pillar The merits that come from this Is inconceivable in all time I generate the thought of great respect Svaha Whoever wants to wish for anything From Sarasvati Should follow the words written in this praise Early in the morning, sincerely recites That persons wishes will be granted At this time, the Tathagata speaks to Brahmin, how benign; you can so benefit sentient beings, bringing them happiness, by means of praising Sarasvati, asking her for help and sustaining might, acquiring infinite merits The Brahmin Kieu tran having spoken these verses to praise and speak of Sarasvati, says to the assembly, great beings, if you want to ask for help and support from Sarasvati, to acquire from her the unhindered fluency of eloquence, great wisdom
Page 107 of 175

and intelligence, marvelous linguistic skills, even (the wish of) becoming a scholar, having great seemly debating skills, all will be accomplished without delay if you do as followed. At first, whole-heartedly and sincerely make request Namo Buddhaya Namo Dharmaya Namo Sanghaya I pay homage to the Bodhisattvas I pay homage to the Solitary Enlightened ones I pay homage to the Disciples I pay homage to the Virtuous Saints The Tathagatas in the past and present have practiced the truthful speech, the speech that accords (and is pleasing) to the hearers (ty thun), the speech that is timely and opportune, the speech that is without deceit and falsehood. The Tathagatas in countless great eons have spoken with certainty. If one speaks with certainty, everyone will rejoice. Since it is not falsehood, the Square of true signs (qung trng thit tng) shows forth, as a result, the whole face, the whole Jambudvipa world and the other three continents, even 1000 to 3000 world systems, and the worlds in the 10 directions, encompassing until (it is) inconceivable, all suffering that comes from the heat of defilement will be eliminated. I bow down to such Square (field) of true signs (certainty) of the Tathagatas, may I attain the miraculous eloquence. I now sincerely bow down in homage. I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the Tathagatas I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the Bodhisattvas I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the Solitary Enlightened ones I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the Disciples I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the voice of the 4 noble truths I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the practice of righteous views I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the Brahma kings, and devas I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the Great O ma heavens I bow down in homage
Page 108 of 175

To the eloquence of the Tac kien da heaven I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the Manatu king I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the Intelligent night Heaven 9 Thng minh d thin) I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the 4 Great Protectors of the world I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the Benign abode deva I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the Vajra Lord of Secret Methods I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the Phe sot no Heaven I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the Ti ma devas daughter I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the heavenly goddess I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the 7 thi datma I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the Heri voice I bow down in homage I bow down to the one who abides in the supreme meaning
Page 109 of 175
To the eloquence of the great Mother of all mother I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the Haride demon mother I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the Yaksa gods I bow down in homage To the eloquence of the kings in the 10 directions All the merits that you have Please aid me, and make me fulfill The miraculous eloquence I bow down to the one who is not deceitful I bow down to the one who has been liberated I bow down to the one who has abandoned all desire I bow down to the one who is free from all obstacles (anger, hatred, ignorance, etc.) I bow down to the one whose mind is pure I bow down to the one who is full of light I bow down to the one who speaks the truth I bow down to the one who has exhausted all layperson habits

I bow down to the great being I bow down to Sarasvati Pray make me fluent in my speech I pray that what I wish here Will quickly become true Wholly completed I pray that I will be free from sickness That I will abide in peace And that my lifespan will be expanded Pray that I will accumulate (th hi) all mantras That I will be diligent in cultivating All knowledge senses Pray that I will benefit countless sentient beings Pray that my wishes above Will quickly become true I speak words that are sincere and truthful I speak words that are not false May the eloquence of Sarasvati Help me complete all those qualities. I pray that the Heavenly goddess Will appear in my place And make my speech unhindered Quickly putting great wisdom and perfect eloquence To my speech and body I pray that my tongue Will acquire the power of eloquence Just like that of the Tathagata And thanks to the might of that eloquence I will tame all kinds of sentient beings When I utter any eloquent words Depending on the occasions May they all be successful; The reason is that the listeners Become respectful As such, what I speak and act Will not be ineffective If I wish and pray For the eloquence Yet these do not come true (materialize) Then all truthful words That Sarasvati has spoken Will all become false There are those who have Committed the 5 Uniterrupted deeds Yet the words of the Tathagata Are able to tame them all And just like the great Saints, Arahats, Those who speak words to Repay the kindness (of Buddha) And those including Thu tu, Muc lien
Page 110 of 175

The leaders among the disciples of the Tathagata All the above truthful words May I also attain such truthful words Now, I sincerely summon The Disciples of the Tathagata May you quickly come to my dwelling place And fulfill this wish of mine My requests are truthful My prayers are not false From above, the topmost heaven Together with the Saints In the 5 pure places The Brahma kings The retinues of Brahma kings (Phn ph) And the devas in the Brahma heaven And the great Brahma king The self-assigned lords Of the great Saha world system Together with all deva retinues Now I request to summon all Praying that all of you Will have compassion and sympathy To think of me, and receive me Paranirmitavaavarti heaven Nirmarati heaven s a heaven Yamadeva heaven And the devas of the 33 Together with the devas In the place where the 4 great Heavenly Kings dwell And all gods, earth, water, fire and wind On the mount Sumeru All such gods In the 7 layers of the great oceans 7 layers of the great mountain Together with all their retinues Satisfied with Wealth, 5 pointed (names) Sun, moon, and stars All kinds of devas Have the wish to bring happiness And peace to the world The gods and devas Do not like to commit wicked deeds Demon mother together with her youngest child And also all of the 8 kinds of heavenly Naga Now I rely on the might of the Tathagata To summon all May you be compassionate and help me
Page 111 of 175

Give me the ability of unhindered eloquence All mankind together with the devas Those who know the thoughts of human May you bring great powers and might To support and sustain me And enable me to have The miraculous eloquence I even pray to all sentient beings Who are dwelling as far as The boundary of the Dharma realm Please enable me to have The miraculous eloquence When the Sarasvati goddess has heard such prayers, she says to the Brahmin, how benign, great person! If any son or daughter of the lineage who can correctly uphold the mantra and the methods of praise as above, also taking refuge in the three Jewel, sincerely maintaining mindfulness, then all their wishes and prayers will not be futile. If these people can even uphold and recite this supreme king of Sutra the Golden Light, their wishes will definitely come true; all their prayers will come true, except for those who are not sincere. At this time, the Brahmin, from the depth of his heart, rejoices, and respectfully hold the palms together and accept The Blessed One says to Sarasvati goddess, how benign, person! You can speak of this Sutra and propagates It, protecting those who can uphold this Sutra, and bring about bliss and peace to the sentient beings. When the Blessed One finishes speaking this chapter, Buddha ends by saying, giving (the power of) eloquence is inconceivable, one will acquire infinite merits, and one will also make those who generate these thoughts to quickly attain the Unsurpassed Enlightenment
Chapter 16: The Auspicious Heavenly goddess

At this time, the Auspicious Heavenly goddess from her seat stands up, walks towards the Tathagata and bows down to him, respectfully holds the palms together and say, Blessed One, if I see anyone among the 4 groups of followers of the Tathagata, who accept, keep in mind, analyze and recite to memory, or speak to others about this Sutra of the Golden Light, I will one-mindedly give offering to those priests. I will give food, clothes, beds, medicines, together with all equipment that is necessary for life, I will provide him with everything, not missing in anything. So that those priests will live peacefully and, day and night analyze the words and meanings of this king of Sutra. As a consequence, this king of Sutra will be well spread in great
Page 112 of 175

Jambudvipa world, to let those who have sown roots of virtues in countless Tathagatas listen, and the Sutra will not quickly disappear, to let those people in countless eons enjoy supreme happiness in the world of human and devas; in their present life, they will also have great wealth, no longer suffering from thirst and hunger. It is also to make these sentient beings enjoy great bliss and peace, able to meet the Tathagatas, and in their future lives, they will quickly attain the Unsurpassed Enlightenment; they will perpetually eliminate all sufferings (caused by being born) in the three evil realms Blessed One, I remember in the past, there was a Tathagata called Lapis Golden Mountain Treasure Flowers of Auspicious shining Light, Ocean of Merits, with the 12 names. I have sown roots of virtues in that Tathagata. Thanks to the compassionate sustaining might of that Tathagata, whatever the direction I look at, or think about, or go to, I will bring about great bliss and joys to countless sentient beings; besides clothes, food, or daily life equipment, they also have gold, silver, lapis, agate, nacre, coral, amber, pearls. As such, anyone who sincerely recites this Sutra of the Golden Light should burn valuable incense every day, and also arrange various beautiful flowers, to offer to the Tathagata Lapis Golden Mountain Treasure Flowers of Auspicious shining Light, Ocean of Merits on my behalf, moreover, each day three times, that person should chant my name, and place perfumes and exquisite food to offer to me. Anyone who listens and accept this king of Sutra will also acquire great merits as said above The Great Auspicious Heavenly goddess then speaks the following verses: Thanks to (the act of) upholding the Sutra As I said above That person and his relatives Will be free from all harms and unfortunate changes All their daily-life equipment will be sufficient Without missing Their authority and lifespan Will be inconceivable The virtues of upholding the Sutra Will make the soil fertile Making rains and winds arrive in time. The devas will be joyous And gods will lend their help Trees will bear succulent fruit And rice will be good and abundant One will have great wealth Whatever one thinks of, one will attain
The Blessed One says to the great Auspicious Heavenly goddess, how benign, you can think of repaying the kindness of the Tathagata in the past and expound on the
Page 113 of 175

methods of giving offering; this will bring great benefits and joy to countless sentient beings; circulating this Sutra brings about endless merits.
Chapter 17: Increasing Wealth and Properties

At this time, the Great Auspicious heavenly goddess says, Blessed One, the Much Listening Heavenly king in the north has a castle called Possessing Wealth. Not far from the castle there is a garden called Gentle Flowers Light of Merits. In this garden there is a supreme palace, made of the 7 precious substances. I often stay in that palace. Anyone who wishes to increase the amount of the 5 cereals they have, day by day, increasing their stores of food should have a mind of great faith and belief; they should arrange and prepare a clean room, using cu ma to apply on the floor, draw a picture of me with various strings of pearls decorated all over the body. One should bathe oneself cleanly, apply perfumes on the body, and wear clean clothes. After entering their room, that person should start reciting the name of my Tathagata and the name of this Sutra on my behalf, thrice a day, and then bow down. Recite Namo Lapis Golden Mountain Treasure Flowers of Auspicious shining Light, Ocean of Merits (Namo King of Sutras of the Golden Light). Also take perfumes and exquisite food to sincerely make offering. Also give offerings to my picture, using perfume and food. Moreover, scatter the food in various directions and offer to the gods. And then speak in truth to request for my presence, the great Auspicious Heavenly goddess, in order to make ones vows. And that if what Goddess says is true, do not make my request futile. At this time, I, the great Auspicious Heavenly goddess, know this and think about that person, increasing their stores of food and properties. To request for my presence, chant the following mantra. But before one chants this mantra, one must first sincerely recite the names of the Tathagatas and bodhisattvas I bow down to the Tathagatas in the ten directions in the 3 times I bow down to the Treasure Inheritance Tathagata I bow down to the Stainless Light of Treasure Garlands Tathagata I bow down to the Golden Garland Light Tathagata I bow down to the Hundred Golden Light Body Tathagata I bow down to the Golden Treasure Heritage Tathagata (Kim ci bo tch nh lai) I bow down to the Golden Flower Garland Tathagata I bow down to the Great Rising Torch Tathagata
Page 114 of 175

I bow down to the Great Treasure Garlands Tathagata I bow down to the Unmoving Tathagata to the East I bow down to the Treasure Garlands Tathagata to the South I bow down to the Infinite Longevity Tathagata to the West I bow down to the Heavenly Ancient Sound King Tathagata to the North I bow down to the Gentle Garland bodhisattva I bow down to the Golden Light bodhisattva I bow down to the Golden Body bodhisattva I bow down to the Often Present (Thng ) bodhisattva I bow down to the Supreme Dharma bodhisattva I bow down to the Benign Peace bodhisattva Having bowed down to the Tathagatas and bodhisattvas, one should then recite the following mantra to request for my presence, the great Auspicious Heavenly goddess. Thanks to the might of this mantra, all wishes will be fulfilled. The great Auspicious Heavenly goddess then speaks of that mantra: Namo Srimahadevi tadyatha paripurnacare Samantadarsani mahaviharagate samanta pitamamati mahakarya pratvisthapini sarvant asamantan supratipure ayanadharmata mahabhagena mahamaitri upasamhete mahaklesa susamgrhte anupulana svaha Blessed One, the moment I hear anyone chants this mantra to summon me, I immediately travel to their place to grant them their wishes. Blessed One, this mantra contains the words of the great method of abhisheka, the words of the accomplishment of great meditations, the supremely truthful words, words that are not false, it is the equality work (vic lm bnh ng), the primary roots of virtues towards sentient beings. To uphold and recite this mantra, one should take up the 8 precepts for 7 days and 7 nights, in the morning, one should clean ones mouth; in the afternoon, gives offerings of perfume to the Tathagatas and reveal ones misdeeds. Dedicate the merits and make vows for the sake of sentient beings. That is one way to make ones wish quickly become true. Arrange a clean room, or in an empty field, or in a lan ya place (lan nh), use cu ma to make a ritual site, and burn canda incense to offer. Make a special seat, decorated with canopies and flags. Use various famous flowers to arrange in the ritual site. Afterwards, one proceeds to reciting the above-mentioned mantra, wishing for me to arrive. At this time, I immediately think of that person, observe that person and arrive at the ritual site, sit on that special chair and receive the offerings from that person. From then onwards, I will let that person see me in dreams. Whatever that person wishes for, he should speak of it in truth. Whether that person is in a village, near a swamp, or in the place
Page 115 of 175

of the Sanghas, I will make all his wishes come true, gold, silver, properties, domestic animals, rice grains, food, clothes, all making them available to that person and let him enjoy great bliss. However, after that person has been granted the wish, he should reserve a supreme part to offer to the Three Jewels, and then dedicate that merits to me. Arrange a large assembly, with food and perfumes. Having made the offering, one then sell those offerings to buy more (offerings). For the whole life of that person, I will often abide right beside, and help that person acquire all that he needs, not missing anything, whatever he wishes for will become true. However, that person should often provide for the poor, without reserve, without thinking only of oneself. That person should often recite this Sutra, and ceaselessly gives offering. Also dedicate this merit to everyone and to the Unsurpassed Enlightenment, vowing to cross the sea of birth-death and quickly becomes liberated. At this time, the Tathagata praises: how benign, Great Auspicious Heavenly goddess. You can speak of this Sutra. That is inconceivable, bringing about benefits to yourself and others.
Chapter 18: Earth God

At this time, the Earth god stands up in the assembly, holds the palms together and says, Blessed One, in the present or future time, anywhere, from villages, towns, Emperors palace, castles, lan ya, mountains to deserted forests, any place where this king of Sutra of the Golden Light is present, Blessed One, I will arrive at that place to pay homage and make offering, protect and spread the Teaching. Wherever there exists a high altar for the priest speaking of this Sutra, I will use my might, while hiding myself, right at the high altar to offer my head for the priest to step on. I will listen to the Dharma, my body will be flooded with supreme joy, for I have received the taste of the Dharma, which increases my power and authority, to endless bliss. When I myself have benefitted so, I will make this great planet become fertile, even as deep as 168000, as deep as the Vajra wheel. Among the 4 seas, the soil of all islands will be made more fertile than usual. In the great Jambudvipa world, all kinds of rivers and ponds that nourish various kinds of trees, medicinal herbs, forest bushes and other fruit and flowers, roots, trunks, branches and leaves, together with rice fields, they will all be good-looking, having sufficient colors, taste and scent; they can be all put to good use. If one uses such rare food products (that are harvested from these plants), all ones senses will be stable and strong, becoming more invigorated, ones pain and sufferings will be gone. One will have a strong mind and will, capable of doing much. As for the whole planet, whatever it is needed in, hundreds of thousands of kinds of work will be complete. Blessed One, because of this (occasion) the whole Jambudvipa world will be peaceful and prosperous, the people there will be populous, without having any harms; everyone lives in bliss and peace.
Page 116 of 175

Since both their minds and bodies enjoy such great bliss and joy, they respect this king of Sutra even more; wherever they are, they want to uphold, make offerings to, respect, and praise (the Sutra). They also go together to the altar of the priest and request for this supreme king of Sutra for the benefits of sentient beings. Why is it so, Blessed One, it is because my retinues and I will benefit greatly from listening to this Sutra, my strength and energy flow will be well and regulated, my authority and might will also greatly improve, we will have healthy and beautiful appearance (and complexion), having great forms; everything will become extraordinarily good. Blessed One, after I, the Earth god, have acquired the taste of the Dharma, I will make this continent, together with its 7000 times hundreds of million acres of soil become fertile, even the above-mentioned people will live in bliss. As such, Blessed One, those sentient, out of the wish to repay my kindness, will think: we should definitely listen and accept this king of Sutra, respectfully make offering and praise this Sutra. Thus, no matter where they live, they will all arrive at the Dharma assembly, bow down to the priest and listen to this Sutra. Having listened to the Sutra, everyone returns home in great bliss. They say: today we have listened to the supremely profound Dharma, and by the roots of virtue of this act, we will acquire an inconceivable mass of merits. Thanks to the might of this Sutra, we will see countless Tathagatas to make offerings to, and to serve; we will forever leave the darkness of suffering in the three evil realms. Moreover, in the future, in hundreds of thousand lives, we will often enjoy superior bliss in human and devas worlds. After they return home, they also speak to their relatives, neighbors about this king of Sutra. They speak of this Sutra through an example, a chapter, a past life story, a name of a Tathagata, a name of a bodhisattva, a four-lined verse, a meaningful sentence, or even the name of the Sutra. If that is so, Blessed One, the place where they live will be much more fertile than other areas. Whatever that is grown on that land will yield great harvest; all plants will grow well, verdant and tall; they will bring about great bliss and properties to the sentient beings; they will also like to make offering, and they will develop an unswerving mind and belief towards the Three Jewels When the Earth god has finished his words, the Tathagata says, Earth god, anyone who listens to the king of Sutra of the Golden Light, even as little as a sentence from It, will be reborn in the Heaven of the thirty-three, or other heavenly realms. Whoever, for the purpose of making offering to this King of Sutra, arranges or decorates their house, even hanging a canopy, a flag, they will be reborn in the 6 heavens of the Desire realms thanks to that root of virtue. They will live in a palace made of the 7 precious substances, enjoying great bliss, and what everyone will naturally enjoy is the bliss with 7000 heavenly goddesses, day and night often enjoying the special and inconceivable merits. The Blessed One having said so, the Earth god says, Blessed One, just because of what the Tathagata has mentioned above, I will protect anyone among the 4 kinds of Disciples of the Tathagata who sit on the Dharma altar to speak of this Sutra. I will
Page 117 of 175

day and night protect that person, hiding myself and using the crown of my head to support the feet of the priest when he steps up and down from the Dharma Altar. Blessed One, this Sutra is expounded on Earth for the benefits of those who have cultivated roots of virtues in countless Tathagatas. When these people listen to this Sutra, in the future, for countless eons, they will enjoy supreme bliss among the human and devas world; they will be able to meet the Tathagata, quickly attaining Usurpassed Enlightenment, and above all, they will no longer suffer from rebirths among the 3 evil realms At this time, the Earth god says, Blessed One, I have a mantra that can bring about great benefits to human and devas, giving joy to all. Any son or daughter of the lineage, or the 4 kinds of Disciples of the Tathagata, who wishes to see my true body form, should sincerely recite that mantra; whatever they wish for, they will be satisfied. Such wishes may include having food and clothes to live, having wealth and properties, having jewels and gold, or hidden treasure beneath the earth surface, or supernatural abilities, or, magical medicine to have great longevity or cure all forms of sickness, defeating enemies, or subdue all forms of reasoning and debates. That person should arrange a pure place to make a ritual site, wash himself clean, wear new clothes and sit on a grass mattress. Towards the statue of the Tathagata that contains Buddhas relic, or in front of a temple or tower that has Buddha relic, that person should burn incense, scatter flowers and make offering of food. On the day of the bright moon in August, or the day of the B si star, recite the mantra to summon me, the Earth god: Tadyatha ciri ciri curu curu kuru kuru kutu kutu totu totu bhaha bhaha savari savari svaha. Blessed One, when anyone among the 4 kinds of Disciples of the Tathagata recites this mantra 108 times to summon me, I will immediately arrive at their place. Moreover, Blessed One, if anyone wishes to see me appear in my body form to speak to, that person should arrange as before and recite this mantra: Tadyatha acani griliga ksanati sira sidhari ha ha hi hi kuru bhare svaha. Blessed One, that person should recite this mantra 108 times, and also recite the previous mantra; if that is so, I will definitely arrive and grant them their wishes, it is completely not ineffective. However, to recite this mantra, one must first recite the mantra of self- protection: Tadyatha nisiri masakani nati kuti budhi budhire biti biti kukuti baciri svaha Blessed One, to recite this mantra, one uses a five-color string and makes 21 knots, recites 21 times (makes a knot in it for every time one recite this mantra, do this 21 times) and tie this string behind the left elbow; this will protect that person, and he will no longer have any fear. One should whole-heartedly recite this mantra to fulfill ones wish. I do not speak falsely. Buddha, Dharma and Sangha are my witnesses, pray testify what I say.
Page 118 of 175

At this time, the Blessed One says to Earth god, how benign, Earth god, you can offer this mantra to protect this Sutra and the priest who expounds this Sutra. This will give you Earth god countless merits.
Chapter 19: The great Yaksa General

At this time, the great Yaksa General called Righteous Understanding and Wisdom, together with the gods of the 28 kinds of Yaksa, in the assembly, stands up from his seat, lets bare the right shoulder, the right knee touching the ground, and holds the palms together and point to the Tathagata, says, Blessed One, either in the present, or future, in towns, villages, mountains or hills, in deserted forests, in the kings palace, in the dwelling place of monks, in any place where this king of Sutra of the Golden Light is expounded, Blessed One, I, the General Righteous Understanding and Wisdom together with the 28 kinds of Yaksas will arrive at that place, hiding ourselves and protect the priest from all harms, often enjoying great bliss; we will protect those who listen to the Dharma, no matter whether they are males or females, young boy or girl, if they, towards this king of Sutra, accept and keep in mind even a four-lined verse, a meaningful sentence, or just the name of this king of Sutra, a name of the Tathagata or a name of a bodhisattva in this king of Sutra, if they initiate the thought of wanting to chant and respectfully give offering to the above, then I will protect them, receive them and make them free from all harms, abandoning sufferings to enjoy great bliss. Blessed One, why am I called Righteous Understanding and Wisdom (understanding correctly)? In this, may he Blessed One himself testify for me. I know the Dharma, and understand the Dharma. Whatever is contained in the Dharma, and what the Dharma is, Blessed One, I understand these correctly. I have the inconceivable light of wisdom, the inconceivable torch of wisdom, the inconceivable work of wisdom, the inconceivable mass of wisdom, as such, towards the inconceivable realm of wisdom, I know and understand correctly. Blessed One, since I know correctly the Dharma, understand correctly, become awakened correctly, and having the might of correct observation (perception) of the Dharma, as such, I am called the great general Righteous Understanding and Wisdom. Thanks to this factor, I make the person who speak the Dharma become eloquent in all manners of words, I also make that person fulfill all precepts (Upasampad); I will also make the energy flow enters through their pores and fulfill all great physical strength, so that the person will have great authority, inconceivable light of wisdom- able to (make that person) acquire the correct memory, so that he will not be defeated, able to increase their strength, so there will be no harms and deterioration to that person , able to give him peaceful and relaxed senses, so he will often enjoy great bliss; thanks to these factors, that person will be able to expound this king of Sutra in the great Jambudvipa world, bringing great benefits to those who have sown roots of virtues and cultivate merits
Page 119 of 175

and virtues in countless Tathagatas, and not letting it disappear quickly. Those who listen to this Sutra will have the inconceivable light of wisdom, and immeasurable mass of merits; in their future lives, for countless of eons they will enjoy supreme bliss in the worlds of human and devas, they are able to see the Tathagatas, and will quickly attain Unsurpassed Enlightenment, and they will especially, not go through the suffering of the 3 evil realms of Ya ma At this time, the great general Righteous Understanding and Wisdom says, Blessed One, I have a mantra that I will today present in front of the Tathagata, to benefits all sentient beings: Namo Buddhaya, Namo Dharmaya, Namo Samghaya, namo Brahmaya, namo Indraya, namah caturnam mahasjanam, tadyatha hiri hiri mili mili Gauri Mahagauri Gandhari Mahagandhari Dravidi Mahadravidi danda khukunte ha ha ha ha ha, hi hi hi hi hi, ho ho ho ho ho, hala dhana kudame, ca ca ca ca, ci ci ci ci, cu cu cu cu, candesvara sikhara sikhara uttisthi bhagavan saceinjaya svaha Blessed One, anyone who upholds this mantra will be provided with all necessities to make their lives easy, I will give them food, clothes, flowers, either wishing to have a baby boy or a baby girl, wishing for gold, silver or treasures, or strings of pearls, I will provide them with everything, and not let their prayers go unanswered. This mantra has great power. If anyone upholds this mantra, reciting it, I will quickly arrive at their place, and all that they wish for will be accordingly provided, without any hindrance. One needs to know the methods of preparation before upholding this mantra, one should first draw a picture of me on a flat surface, 4 (old) meters tall, my hand holding an extended sword. In front of this picture, one should make 4 ritual sites representing 4 directions, place 4 pots in which are contained honey or sugar solution. Then apply perfumes and burn various incense materials, and offer garlands of flowers. In front of the ritual site, place an earthen pot, inside, place hot embers to burn to ma gioi tu (t ma gii t). Recite the above mantra for 108 times, each time burning (the above materials) once. Even until I, the great general Righteous Understanding and Wisdom appears in my own body form; I will ask the person reciting the mantra: just say what you need. I immediately satisfy that persons need, depending on what he requests. If that person needs gold, hidden treasure under the ground, the ability of flying in mid-air, or heavenly eyes, telepathy, all such needs that are required to help sentient beings, I will all grant, even eliminating the defilement of sentient beings, helping them become liberated, I am capable of doing all. At this time, the Tathagata says to the great general Righteous Understanding and Wisdom, how benign, great general. You can benefit sentient beings so, and speak of the mantra to protect the Dharma, the merits that you acquire will be infinite.
Page 120 of 175
Chapter 20: Speaking about the methods of ruling a kingdom

At this time, the great earth goddess, among the assembly, stands up, bows down to the feer of the Blessed One, holds the palms together respectfully and say, Blessed One, in all kingdoms, regarding those who act as kings, if they do not have a righteous set of laws (Dharma), they will be unable to rule and manage their kingdom, or nourish its citizens, and their position on the throne is not guaranteed to last long. Pray the Tathagata please show us compassion and sympathy, please teach us about the methods of ruling a kingdom, and the essence of managing a nation, so that the kings, after they have heard about this, will practice accordingly (just as they are taught), and the kings will bring this righteous Dharma to teach and convert their people. As a result, the throne will be secured, and the people will enjoy peace and benefits. At this time, in the assembly, the Tathagata says to the Earth goddess, you should listen carefully. In the past, there was a king called Power of the Venerable Garland (Lc tn trng). That king had a prince called Gentle Garland. When the prince rose to the position of king, his father said to him: there is a righteous Dharma called the Methods taught by the devas. In the past, when I was a king, my father, the past Might of Wisdom the Venerable Garland, had taught me about that method. I followed according to his teaching and skillfully managed the kingdom in 20000 years, I remember that I had not given rise to even one thought of transgressing the laws. Now, you should also follow accordingly. Do not use unrighteousness to rule the kingdom. What does The Righteous methods (guides to) for ruling a nation for kings mean? You should listen carefully; I will now speak to you. After that, the king Power of the Venerable Garland then speak to his son, using these verses I will now speak of the methods of ruling a kingdom, Which benefit many sentient beings To eliminate all doubts And eliminate all misdeeds All heavenly lords, together with the human kings Should rejoice, and hold the palms together To listen to what I am about to say In the past, the devas was assembling In the Vajra mountain When the 4 great Heavenly kings stood up May I now ask the great Brahma king The Supreme great Brahma king The one who is most free among the deva worlds Pray be compassionate and think of us And help us eliminate all doubts For what reason is one called deva Among mankind
Page 121 of 175

And for what reason, Is one called devas son Why does one become a king After being born on earth? And for what reason Does one become Indra in Heaven When the protectors of the world Have asked the great Brahma king The great Brahma king then replied to all: The protectors of the world For the benefits of all beings Have now asked of the methods Of ruling a kingdom I will now speak to you, so listen It is due to past virtuous deeds That one is born in the devas world And become Indra Also become the king, ruling Among the human The devas together offer protection When that person enters the mothers womb While inside the mothers womb The devas still give him protection Though born among mankind That person is superior, as such He is called deva Since that person is protected by the devas He is called devas son The lord of the heaven of 33 Renders parts of his help to the king And all devas Still help him become free and independent Eliminate all unrighteousness Not giving rise to wickedness Teaching others to practice virtues So that they will be born among the devas Human and Asura Gandarva etc. Together with Raksa, Candala Also come to offer half of the help His parents will offer the other half So that person will abandon wickedness, And practice virtues The devas strengthen their aids And show him the results (fruit) If one commits wicked acts Right in the present The devas will not offer help And show him the wicked results When the people commit wickedness And the king does nothing to stop That is following unrighteousness Not the methods to prevent wickedness When one sees wickedness, yet does not stop
Page 122 of 175

As a result, wickedness will grow In the kingdom, deceit will thrive When the king sees his people Do wicked deeds, yet (he) does not stop them The devas of the heaven of 33 All become frustrated As a consequence, the rulers will suffer harms; Deceit and lies will become rampant And that country will be invaded By foreign forces Which destroy the whole kingdom Houses together with furniture And all properties will be lost Flatters and Insolence will appear In various forms Embezzlement and theft causing mutual harms One becomes king because of Dharma (by laws) Yet if one does not follow the Dharma (laws) The people will fall apart Just like an elephant stepping into a lotus pond Fierce winds will arise constantly Violent rains will fall in unusual time Various kinds of demons will arise Solar and lunar eclipse will cover The 5 kinds of cereals and flowers Together with fruit will be all spoiled The kingdom suffers from starvation All because the king abandons righteousness When the king abandons the Dharma And follows unrighteousness Misleading the people The devas will despair In their individual palaces All such heavenly kings
Page 123 of 175
Will say together: If the king does wickedness And wicked sectarians unite (to cause havoc) Then the kings position will become unstable And the devas will be furious When the devas are furious That nation will run to the ground When the people is educated with unrighteousness And this practice becomes prevalent Then deceit and conflicts Will abound And epidemics will spread wide The lord of the devas will not offer protection Other devas will also abandon And that nation will be destroyed The king will suffer greatly His parents, wife, children

Brothers and sisters Will be separated, and tormented Even losing ones life Various kinds of strange falling stars As hot as 2 suns And foreign invaders will arrive The people will be desolated The ministers whom the whole country reveres Will all perish in anguish Even elephants and horses, etc. Will be dispersed, none left Enemies attack from all sides The people will die because of unrighteousness And wicked demons will infiltrate Epidemics will be widespread The high ministers in the country Together with their auxiliary generals Will be full of flatters They commit wickedness together Seeing those who do wickedness They love and revere Seeing those who follow the practice of virtues They torment and punish Because they love the wicked And torment the virtuous As such, stars, winds and rains Will not follow in time When these three wickedness are born The righteous Dharma will hide itself The people will no longer be healthy and strong The soils fertility will also be lost Because one loves wickedness and despise virtues There are also 3 more wickedness: Fogs, hails, untimely seasons Starvation, epidemics, all happen at the same time Rice grains and fruit Their good qualities will be reduced As such, in that country, The majority of the people will be sick Most fruit bearing trees, Which used to bear sweet and fresh fruit (Their fruit) will now become diminished in qualities Becoming sour and bitter The garden which used to be beautiful Together with its pleasant alleys Will now become dry and barren Those who see this sight will grow despaired Rice, grains and various kinds of cereals Their good qualities will gradually be lost One no longer derives pleasure from eating it
Page 124 of 175

How then can one be healthy? The people will lose their health Their beauty and strength will decline Though they eat and drink much They still do not have good health In that country, all kinds of people With different social status Will be weak of health, and easily tired They will not be able to work well The people will catch many forms of sickness Their body often in pains Many kinds of demons will abound And bear (in suit) the Raksa When the king follow unrighteousness And stay near those who are wicked The three worlds will suffer Countless evil phenomena will appear
Page 125 of 175
In the kingdom All these are due to the king Not punishing those who do wickedness One becomes a king Thanks to the protection and sustaining might Of the devas Yet if one does not bring the Dharma To protect ones kingdom Nevertheless, those who do virtuous deeds Will be born as devas And those who do wickedness Will fall into the 3 evil ways When they die. When the king is lenient and uncaring While his people do wickedness The devas of the 33 Will be tormented When the king does not follow What the devas teach
And does not listen to his parents Then that king is unrighteous He is not even a king, and not a filial son In his kingdom, the king should Punish those who do wickedness When he sees it He does not let it go If that is so, the devas Will together protect and sustain that king Since the king destroy wickedness And follow the righteous ways That king in his present life Will receive great results Since he is able to dissuade the people From doing wicked deeds He teaches the results of evil and virtuous deeds As such, when he is in the position of king

The devas often give him protection And they will all rejoice Since the king benefits himself and others Ruling the country using righteousness As such, when he sees those Who are flatters He will punish them accordingly Even when he (may) loses his position Or comes face to face with a life-threatening situation He still does not commit wicked deeds Not ignoring wicked deeds The most prominent cause For the loss of ones throne Is flattering As such one should punish Flatters are deceitful Causing the nation to fall apart And hurting the laws of the king Just like an elephant entering a flower garden The heavenly lords will be furious And so will the Asura All is because the king Does not rule his kingdom with the Dharma As such the king should punish the wicked According to the laws The Dharma Reform them using virtuous deeds And not deeds that are against the Dharma Rather that one may lose ones life One should not follow non-virtuous friends Towards ones relatives and strangers One should look upon them as equal Be a righteous Dharma king And not showing favors, or follows any parties If one can do that One will be widely proclaimed Will be reborn in my palace The devas, and sons of devas Together with their Asura retinues Will all rejoice Because the king practice the Dharma When the devas rejoice and protect the king Stars will follow (correctly) their due courses The sun and moon will rise and set regularly Winds and rains will be regular (according to their seasons) As the Dharma king In the three realms The devas of the 33 Joyfully declare This king of mankind Is indeed our son He knows how to convert his people To the virtuous ways And also encourages them to practice
Page 126 of 175

Rice grains and various fruit will be abundant The people will not suffer from starvation All kinds of devas Often hide themselves in the kings palace And give blessings for the king Praying that he will think of the Dharma Even before himself Respect the Jewel of the Dharma Bring joy and peace to the people Be close to the Jewel of Dharma And one (the king) will decorate oneself With great results and merits The kings relatives will often rejoice And stay far from wickedness If he uses the Dharma to teach others He will often abide in bliss If he encourages the whole people (citizens) To practice the 10 virtuous deeds The whole country will be wealthy And the nation will be peaceful If the King practice according to the Dharma And convert those who are evils He will have great reputation Because he benefits the people
At this time, in the assembly, the various kings, having heard the Tathagata speak of the ancient kings methods of ruling the country, acquires a rare kind of happiness and satisfaction, they rejoice and believe, accept and follow.
Chapter 21: The Benign Born Wheel Turning king

At this time, when the Tathagata has spoken to the assembly about the methods of ruling a country, He again says, you should listen. The Tathagata will now speak to you about the methods of giving service to the righteous Dharma that the Tathagata did in the past. At this time, the Tathagata speaks the following verses. The Tathagata in the past When He was a wheel turning king Buddha left behind all continents Together with their oceans, And Buddha respectfully offered precious substances As full as the 4 continents To the Tathagatas
Page 127 of 175

Buddha in the past For the sake of attaining The Supremely pure Dharma body Have, in countless eons Left behind all kinds of treasures Even ones life was given away In the past, inconceivably long time ago There was a Tathagata called Treasure Inheritance When He has entered into Nirvana There was a king called Benign Born Who was a wheel turning king Ruling 4 continents The areas around the borders of the ocean Was also ruled by him The king has a palace Called Gentle Music And he often abides in that palace At night, he dreamt of The wisdom of the Tathagata And see a priest, Named Treasure heritage Who is sitting on an altar Just like the sun And he is speaking of this Sutra Of the Golden Light When he awoke from his dream The king became jubilant The great joy flooded All over the body When the Sun nearly rose The king exit his palace And went to the dwelling place Of the monks When the king had respectfully Made offering to the monks, he asked Among these monks Is there one called Treasure Heritage The one who accomplish The vows and virtues Of teaching sentient beings? At this time, the great priest Named Treasure Heritage Was abiding in a small house And was mindfully reciting The Sutra of the Golden Light. He was unmoving, and solemn, Having gentle and blissful mind and body A monk led the wheel turning king To the dwelling place Of the priest Treasure Heritage He saw in the small house
Page 128 of 175

The priest who was sitting upright And the whole of his body Had beautiful forms and light The monk said to the king: Here, this is the priest Treasure Heritage Who keeps and maintains The profound practice of the Tathagata Which is the Sutra of the Golden Light The king of Sutra The most supreme The wheel turning king immediately Bow down to the priest Treasure Heritage And respectfully held his palms together And made a request: May the one whose face is delightful to behold And looks just like a full moon Pray that you can speak to me about The miraculous Dharma of the Golden Light The priest Treasure Heritage Tens of thousands of devas Accepted the offer Who like to listen to the Dharma And promised to speak Together, they assemble at that place About that king of Sutra At that time, the whole great heavenly worlds The priest started to move from his old place That they have made offerings to
Page 129 of 175
And all the devas rejoice together The king then arranged A clean and spacious room And diligently decorated that room With various rare and precious jewels Spray away the dust using Supreme perfumes And scatters colorful flowers In this special place The king put a high altar Decorated with canopies And silken flags Rubbing perfumes in various manners The gentle scent exuded to all places The devas, Nagas, Asuras Kinaras, Maholayas, together with Raksas And especially the devas Scatter the mandala flowers To make offering to that Supremely high altar There are also thousands

Using heavenly flowers At this time, the great priest Treasure Heritage Bathed himself cleanly And wore clean clothes Arrived at the assembly To the Dharma altar He sincerely held the palms together And bowed down in homage The lords of the devas, and the devas sons Together with the daughters of devas Together scatter down Heavenly flowers, mandala Hundreds and thousands of heavenly music Resounded in the air Making miraculous sounds That were indescribable and unthinkable At this time, the Treasure Heritage priest Stepped up on the altar And sat cross-legged He focused his attention To the Tathagatas in the ten directions Hundreds of thousands of Tathagatas He also thought of Sentient beings who are currently suffering He generated the thought Of compassion and equality And then he spoke of the Sutra Of the Golden Light To the Benign Born king Who have requested to listen to the Sutra When the king have listened The miraculous Dharma He sincerely held the palms together And said with joy Listening to this Dharma is rare The king burst into tears For it was such a great joy That flooded his whole body At this time, the Benign Born king Wished to make offering To the king of Sutra, the Golden Light He took a Wish-fulfilling mani jewel And made a vow, For the benefits of all kinds of beings Right in this place The Jambudvipa continent May there rain down the 7 precious substances And various strings of pearls
Page 130 of 175

So that the poor, and lacking May have all necessary items and money All their wishes granted Immediately, the 7 precious substances Rained down in all places And satisfied all beings In the four continents Whatever they wished for, they were granted Strings of pearls to beautify oneself Clothes and food Without missing anything At this time, when the Benign Born king Saw the rain of the 7 precious substances He made offering To the Treasure Heritage Tathagata And the monks, following His wish The assembly should know The Benign Born King Today is the Tathagata Himself In the past, I have left behind The Tathagata have gone through This whole continent 99 times countless eons Together with all kinds of treasures Being born as the wheel turning king Full of the four continents Or the king of smaller nations And the Treasure Heritage
Page 131 of 175
The great priest who had Spoken the miraculous Dharma To the Benign Born king Spoken of the king of Sutra For the king Today, he is the Unmoving Tathagata In the East The Tathagata in the past When listening to this king of Sutra Held the palms together and said I now rejoice And dedicate, give offering Of the 7 precious substance Thanks to this merit I attain a Vajra body The one who is supreme That body has a golden light Decorated by hundreds of merits Whoever sees It will rejoice Among all sentient beings There are none who do not like Countless devas also enjoy in the same way

It amounted to hundreds of thousands of lives (eons) In countless eons, I was also Indra And Brahma kings as well I made offerings to the 10 powers Great compassionate Tathagatas In countless lives, one can barely know all The Tathagata in the past Rejoiced when hearing the Dharma The mass of merits I acquired Is hard to know Thanks to this mass of merits I now attained the Unsurpassed Enlightenment And also acquired a Dharma body And the wondrous wisdom of true permanence
At this time, when the assembly has heard of this, everyone rejoices by saying: how rare, excellent. Everyone has the wish to uphold the king of Sutra of the Golden Light, perpetually expounding this.
Chapter 22: The 8 groups of protectors

At this time, the Tathagata speaks to the great Auspicious Heavenly goddess, that if there is any son or daughter of the lineage who has pure faith, and wants to make the inconceivable offerings to the Tathagatas in the three times, and also want to understand the profound practice of the Tathagata, that person must decidedly and whole-heartedly spread this king of Sutra, no matter where that person is. That person should speak about this Sutra to sentient beings, whether it is in towns, villages or mountains. As for those who listen to the Dharma, they should abandon all distracted thought and focus ones sense, maintaining high concentration. At this time, the Tathagata speaks the following verses to the devas and the assembly Towards the Tathagatas If one wants to make supreme offerings (to them) And also understand the profound realms (meaning) Where the Tathagatas are abiding Then, no matter where there is expounded The Sutra of the Golden Light That person should himself arrive at that place Where this Sutra is expounded This Sutra is inconceivable It generates all kinds of merits In the deep and wide sea of sufferings It salvages all sentient beings The Tathagata sees that this Sutra
Page 132 of 175

Is excellent in the beginning, middle and end All parts are very profound and hard to measure Impossible to make an example of Suppose the grains of sands in the Ganges river The dust particles on the earth, Number of droplets of water in the ocean Rocks and stones that fill up the whole space Even these can barely be used as an example. To enter the nature of Dharma One must listen to this Sutra: On the nature of Dharma in the temples (ni cha thp php tnh) Only then can one skillfully enter (mi kho c hi nhp) In such temples and towers One will see Me, the Sakyamuni Tathagata With refined words and gentle thoughts Expounding on this king of Sutra One should teach this supreme Sutra If one can see that, Also copy and recite, In countless inconceivable eons, Explaining the meaning of this Sutra One will enjoy supreme bliss When the priest has left that altar In the world of human and devas To travel to other places When one listens to this king of Sutra
Page 133 of 175
Think as followed: I have acquired a mass Of inconceivable merits Suppose there is a great fire Hundreds of yojinas long But if one has listened to this Sutra One will walk right through the fire Without any hesitance Having arrived at the place where this Sutra is taught And listened to this Sutra All wicked deeds will be purified Even nightmares are eliminated When one has listened to this Sutra One will be separated from all Evil stars and malicious changes, Ancient occult arts and evil forces. Set up a high altar As beautiful as a lotus The priest who sits on it Looks like a king of the ocean Having set up the altar

On that altar, one can see various forms (magical forms) Either the form of a priest Still sitting on the high altar Or the form of the Tathagata Together with the Bodhisattvas Or the form of the Universally Good bodhisattva Or Gentle Garlands Or the Compassionate one (Maitreya) Sitting on that high altar Or see various miraculous forms Either see the forms of the devas And just as quickly as one sees it It disappears If one sees such benign signs Whatever one does, one will be successful Ones virtues and merits will also be complete Thus says the Tathagata. (This Sutra is?) Supreme and renowned Capable of destroying all defilement And repulsing foreign invaders One will often emerge as victors in battles One will have no nightmare Even poisons will disintegrate (And become ineffective on its own) The power of this Sutra Can eliminate all misdeeds committed Through ones speech, body and mind Ones renown will spread wide and far And one will abandon all kinds of enemies (And be separated from seeing them). Upon hearing ones name Even enemys forces will also repulse. Not using weapons One will rejoice in battles (i trn sinh hoan h) The Brahma king and Indra The four Heavenly Protectors of the world And the Diamond Yaksa The great general of Correct Understanding and Wisdom The Naga king of the No-heat lake Together with Sayetla And the Kinara- god of music Asura golden bird warriors (T la kim s ch) The great Eloquence heavenly goddess The great Auspicious heavenly goddess The devas who stand on this side Lead all other devas,
Page 134 of 175

They often make offerings to the Tathagata And the Supreme Dharma Treasure Often rejoicing (in the Dharma) And respecting this king of Sutra. Devas such as these Together think about and observe The people who do virtuous deeds (deeds that bring about merits) And say like this: Do regard these people As the great virtuous ones, ones who have great merits. With the roots of virtue of exerting efforts They will be reborn among the devas. For the purpose of listening to this king of Sutra That person respectfully arrives at this place And makes offerings to the temple, and stupas (Dharma towers) Out of the respect for the Dharma That person pities the sentient beings And bring about great benefits to them That person is the container Of this profound king of Sutra. If one can enter through this Dharma door (Sutra) One will merge with the nature of Dharma As such, towards this Golden Light Sutra One should whole-heartedly listen to Only those who have made offerings To countless Tathagatas Will be able to listen to this Sutra Thanks to the might of their roots of virtues As such, the devas lordsThe great Eloquence heavenly goddess The great Auspicious heavenly goddess Together with the Four Heavenly kings And countless Yaksas Often divide themselves into 4 groups To go to the 4 directions And offer protection Using their great might and power Sun, moon and Indra The god of water, fire, wind (and earth?) Phesotno Yama Great Eloquence, etc And the Heavenly Protectors of the world All use their courage, might and authority
Page 135 of 175

To protect the person who upholds the Sutra Day and night not leaving them. The Forceful Yaksa king Nalayin, Free and Independent (devas?) The 28 Yaksa gods Headed by the great General of Correct Understandin And hundreds of thousands of Yaksa All use their great power and supernatural abilities To come to dangerous places And protect the person who upholds the Sutra Vajra, Yaksa king Together with their 500 retinues And the bodhisattvas Will often protect. Treasure king of the Yaksa lord Together with the Satisfied Benign king Khoangya, Kim ti la Tandola Royal color Each of these Yaksa kings Together with their 500 retinues Will arrive at the place Where a person listens to this king of Sutra To protect that person. Exalted army, Gandarva Boundary king, Often triumph Pearl Scenes, and Pure Scenes (names) And Bolisa king The great Victor, great Black, Tobanakisa Banchica, Duong tuc Together with the great Baya Tieucu and the Dharma protector Together with the Yihou king Needle Hair and Sun limbs Producing Treasures, these will all arrive to help Dacu, Nacula, Canda, Yutrungthang Xala and Snow Mountain Together with Sada mountain They all have great supernatural abilities Having great strengths and courage They all arrive to the place Where that person upholds this Sutra In order to protect Anabadapda, Sayetra, Mucchan Elayip, Nanda, small nanda The Naga among (of) hundreds of thousand Nagas They all have great supernatural abilities and authority
Page 136 of 175

Together, they help the person who upholds this Sutra Day and night, they will not leave him Batri, Rakula, Timachatdala Mauchichiembara Great Diligent and Rejoice And other Asura kings Together with countless devas Who have great strengths. They will come to protect that person The mother of god-Halidi 500 Yaksas Come to protect that person When he wakes up. Chientra, Chientrali Chientri female Yaksa Gunde, Gutraxi Dare to harm that person (Those are the ones who) steal away Even in nightmares The essential energy flows of sentient beings Such gods, who have great supernatural abilities Will come to protect the person upholding this Sutra Day and night staying by his side Countless daughters of devas Led by the Great Eloquence goddess All kinds of retinues They will be dispersed and made to disappear The goddess of this great continent, Is fortified, and has great authority. When she has received the power From the Dharma taste of this king of Sutra The Golden Light, She will make the fertile soil layer Led by the great Auspicious goddess The goddess of this great continent Gods of the forests, tree gods, River gods, gods abiding in towers and temples Etc. Such devas and gods Will have great joy And come to protect the person Who recite the king of Sutra If they see anyone who upholds (the Sutra) They will increase the strength and lifespan Authority, merits and good solemn forms Of that person. If any wicked stars or various planetary influences
Page 137 of 175

Which was in truth located very deep down Absorbed (rise) upward to the surface And make the soil of this great continent Become rich and fertile This great continent Which is 68 countless yojinas deep From the outermost layer of Vajra The richness of the soil will still rise upward (thm ln). Also, one acquires a great mass of merits When one listens to this king of Sutra And also benefiting the devas Helping these devas increase their might Light and strengths They (devas) will also be greatly joyous All signs of decadence will disappear. This continent in the South With its tree gods, rice plant gods, fruit gods Thanks to the might of this king of Sutra They (the gods) will often rejoice The might of this king of Sutra And will make rice plants, Will make space pure, bright and clear And fruit bearing trees ripen All clouds and fogs will be dispersed All flowers will bloom in great quantities Fruit and seeds will have all good qualities And they will abound in the whole continent. All kinds of grass and small plants Together with forest trees, plants in the gardens Will bear beautiful flowers, And their good scent Often spreads to everywhere. Various flower-bearing trees Often ripen into much fruit And the fruit they bear will be Delicious and sweet And all places will have this fruit. Also in this great continent, Countless daughters of Nagas Often rejoice, and enter the ponds And lakes together. Pink lotus, white lotus Blue lotus and white lotus bloom These flowers cover the whole lake And the lakes are all full of lotus.
Page 138 of 175

Everywhere, there is light The Sun projects light That is clear and brilliant Thanks to the might of this Sutra Bright light will spread to all places The might of this Sutra Helps and supports the king Enable him to use pure gold To construct his palace The sun god will joyfully Look at this great continent And he often brings great light To shine brightly everywhere. As a result, in this great continent With its lotus lakes and ponds Light will shine in correct time And flowers will all bloom. In this great continent That place will obtain such benefits (as mentioned) Fruit and medicinal herbs Will all become ripen and mature Exact in their manners And abound the whole continent Thanks to the might of this king of Sutra Wherever the sun and moon shine to Stars will follow their due courses Winds and rains will be well adjusted and regular. In the whole Jambudvipa world, All nations are rich and joyful. The nation that has this king of Sutra Is many times superior to other places Wherever this Sutra of the Golden light is expounded And there are people who explain and recite (the Sutra)
At this time, when the great Auspicious heavenly goddess, together with many devas, etc. has listened to the Tathagata, they all greatly rejoice, one-mindedly protect the king of Sutra and those who uphold the king of Sutra, so that these people will not be sorrowful, and will attain great peace and joy.
Chapter 23: Making a prediction of future Buddha

At this time, when the Tathagata has spoken vividly of the Dharma in the assembly, Buddha wants to make a prediction for the Gentle Garland bodhisattva and his two
Page 139 of 175

sons, Silver Garland and Silver light, that they will attain Unsurpassed Enlightenment. At this time, there are 10000 sons of devas, led by the Supreme Light son of devas who arrived from the Heaven of the 33; they bowed down to Buddhas feet and stood on one side, listening to the Dharma of the Tathagata. The Tathagata says to the Gentle Garland Bodhisattva, in the future, countless of eons, in the world system called Golden Light, you will become a Tathagata, called Golden Treasure Mountain King, sufficient with the twelve names. When the Tathagata Golden Treasure Mountain King has entered into Nirvana, and the Dharma has also been exhausted, your elder son, Silver Garland will inherit His place, right in that world system, and will become a Tathagata, known as the Golden Garland Light Tathagata, sufficient with the 10 names (appellations), and that world system will be renamed into Pure Garland. After the Tathagata Golden Garlad Light has entered into Nirvana, and the Dharma has also been exhausted, you youngest son- Silver Light will, right in that world system, inherit His place, and become a Tathagata, called The Golden Light Tathagata, sufficient with the 10 appellations. When the 10000 devas sons have heard the prediction of the 3 great bodhisattvas, before, they have also heard of the supreme king of Sutra, their mind becomes greatly joyful, as pure and clean as space. The Tathagata knew that these 10000 devas sons have matured their roots of virtues, as such, Buddha also makes a prediction for them. Devassons, in the future, countless of eons, you will attain Unsurpassed Enlightenment in the world system called Supreme cause of dara Exalted Garland, with the same lineage, and the same name. That name is Yim muc Pure Lotus (Utpala) Scent Mountain Tathagata, sufficient with the 10 appellations. The 10000 Tathagatas will appear in the world one after another. At this time, the Bodhi upholding goddess asks, Blessed One, these 10000 devas sons have just arrived from the Heaven of the 33 to listen to the Dharma from the Tathagata, why do you make a prediction that they will become Buddha? Blessed One, I have never heard of these devas practicing the 6 paramitas and other arduous practices like other bodhisattvas, such as giving away arms and legs, head, eyes, marrows, brains, relatives, wife and children, elephants, horses, chariots, servants, palaces, gardens, gold and silver, lapis, agate, nacre, corals, amber, jewels, white jewels, food, clothes, things to rest on, medicinal herbs to countless Tathagatas. Yet bodhisattvas ought to do so for countless eons; only after that can one be predicted the Unsurpassed Enlightenment. Blessed One, for what reasons, and under which practice, after sowing which roots of virtues do the devas receive the prediction from the Tathagata, just as soon as they have come down from the Heaven of the 33? Pray the Blessed One please explain for us, and clear away our doubts The Blessed One says to the Bodhi upholding goddess: if one only considers what you say, which is that only those who have sowed great roots of virtues, and diligently cultivated arduous practices will be predicted. However, these devas here
Page 140 of 175

have abandoned the joy and desire in the heavenly palaces to come here and listen to the Golden Light Sutra. Having listened to this Sutra, they whole-heartedly respect It. Their mind is as clear as lapis, and stainless. They have also listened to the prediction of the 3 great bodhisattvas. They also have the factors of vows and righteous practices that they have cultivated for a long time in the past. As such, the Tathagata makes a prediction that they will attain the Unsurpassed Enlightenment. When the Bodhi upholding goddess have listened to the Tathagata explain as above, he joyfully accepts
Chapter 24: Curing sicknesses

The Tathagata then says to the Bodhi upholding goddess, you should listen carefully. The Tathagata will now speak to you about the vows of the 10000 devas. Goddess, in the past, countless eons ago, a Buddha appeared in this world, with the name of the Treasure Heritage Tathagata, sufficient with the 10 appellations. After that Tathagata had entered Nirvana, and the pure Dharma had vanished, in the similar Dharma (trong gio php tng t) there was a king called Independent Heavenly Light, who always used the Dharma to teach and convert his people, just like parents towards their children. In the kingdom there was an Elder called Sustaining Water (Tr thy), who was well-versed in the practice of a doctor, a medicine practitioner, knowledgeable of the 8 methods. He was capable of curing anyone who suffered from the imbalance in the 4 elements. Goddess, the Sustaining Water Elder had a single son, called Flowing Water. He was good-looking, upright and serious; everyone likes to behold him. He is intelligent by nature, able to consummate all kinds of reasonings and techniques. At this time, in the kingdom there were many who came down with sickness (epidemics); they suffered so much that they no longer wish to live. Goddess, when the Flowing Water son of Elder saw this, he generated the mind of great compassion, and thought like this. There are so many who suffer! My father is knowledgeable in medicinal practice, skillful in the 8 practices; he is capable of curing all sicknesses, which are caused by the imbalance of the 4 elements. However, my father is old and weak now. Wherever he goes, he requires support, how then can he go to towns or villages to cure the people of their sickness? If that is so, many seriously ill people are helpless. As such, I will now go to the place of my father, the great doctor, and ask him the method of curing sicknesses. Once I know that method, I will go to towns and villages to cure others, and bringing peace and joy to them. When the Elder has thought so, he immediately travelled to his fathers place, bowed down to his feet, held the palms together respectfully and stood to one side. He spoke the following verses.
Page 141 of 175

Pray father please consider my situation I want to help others As such, I wish to ask you about medicinal practices Please speak to me about this. Why is there a fault in the body, And an imbalance among the 4 elements And a when do sicknesses arise? How should one eat to enjoy good health? How to maintain the heat (flow?) within the body? There are four kinds of sicknesses in human Wind, heat, phlegm, and also a mixture of these 3 (amalgamation) How can these be treated? When does the sickness from the wind arise? When is there a sickness from (excess) heat? When does the sickness of the phlegm come under influence? And when is there the sickness of the 3 (combined)? When the Sustaining Water Elder has listened to his son, he replied using the following verses. I will speak to you About the methods of curing sickness (Passed down) From the ancient (traditional) practice You should listen carefully to help others There are 3 months of spring 3 months of summer 3 months of autumn 3 months of winter That is the method of categorizing in one year Speaking of 3 months at a time (each) As for the weather, there is a period of 2 months each And there are 6 periods in one year 1 and 2 is the period of flowers 3 and 4 (March. April?) is the period of heat 5, 6 is the period of rain 7, 8 is the period of autumn 9, 10 is the period of coldness 11, 12 is the period of snow One should distinguish it as such And give medicines accordingly, Depending on that period and season One regulates what one eats So as to digest (the food) in a healthy manner And thanks to this, no sicknesses will arise When the climate changes
Page 142 of 175

The 4 elements will shift and become imbalanced If one does not take medicine Then there will be sickness If a doctor knows about the 4 seasons, And the 6 periods, The 7 parts of the body, He will not prescribe wrong. The seven parts of the body are Taste, blood, flesh, fat, bones, marrows, brain Knows that the sickness enter the 7 parts (which part is affected?) And whether a cure is available There are 4 kinds of sicknesses: Sickness pertaining to the wind, heat, phlegm And a mixture of the 3 One should also know when these sicknesses arise In the spring, the sickness of phlegm arises In the summer, sickness of the wind In the autumn, sickness of heat In the winter, sickness from the combined factors (the 3 above) In the spring, one should eat hot and spicy food In the summer, eat fat, hot, salty and sour In the autumn, eat cold, sweet and fat In the winter, eat bitter, fat and sweet In such 4 seasons, one should eat And take medicines according to such tastes And no sickness will arise After having finished ones meal, (Sau n bnh do m) Sickness of the phlegm will arise When one digests food, (n tiu bnh do nhit) Sickness of the heat will arise After digestion, the sickness (caused by) wind arises One should know these sicknesses as such Having recognized the roots of the sickness One then prescribe medicine accordingly If the nature of the sickness is different One should still cure the root of the sickness If it is sickness pertaining to the wind, Then use oil and cream For sickness of heat, It benefits excretion For phlegm, use transformation and earth
Page 143 of 175

(ha, thng, th) As for the mixed, apply all three Since winds, heat, and phlegm are all present As such it is called mixed. Even if one knows the time the sickness starts One should still investigate the roots of it Have made clear these factors One then proceed to prescribe medicine according to time Eat, drink, medicine, without fail Only then can one be called the great doctor Also, one needs to know the 8 methods, Which encompass all methods of remedy If one knows these 8 methods One will cure a persons sickness The eight methods are: acupuncture Operation (dissect), curing the sickness of the body Curing the sickness of the mind, or poisons A center (department?) for the young, and one for the old And last of all, maintenance of good health (dng sinh) (taiji, qigong?) First of all, observe the forms and colors And then manners of speech, characters After that, ask for dreams Then one can know which type of sickness If one appears thin, dry (without water), having few hairs The mind is also constantly shifting Speak a lot, and having dreams of flying This belongs to the category of wind. If one is young, yet have white hair Having much sweat, easily-angered Intelligent, often dreaming of fire This belongs to heat If ones mind is stable, and ones body is straight, upright (Having the habit of) Considering matters carefully And ones head is greasy, often dreaming of water Or a white substance This belongs to phlegm As for the mixed, they share the same characters Of either 2 or all 3 And whichever factor is major One considers it as mixed Know the roots, and the characters of these sicknesses
Page 144 of 175

Inspect the sickness and prescribe medicine But only when one sees no signs of death Is one certain of being able to cure that sickness The signs of looming death are Having disrupted, scattered senses (6 senses) Despising the good doctors Angered when seeing a close friend These are the ones. The left eye turns into a white color The tongue becomes black, And the nose bone is slanted The flesh surrounding the ears is not the same The lower lip is lowered and protrude. Use Halela of one kind (hartaka) Which has all 6 tastes Capable of curing all sickness It is the king of medicine, which does not counteract (other medicine) Also take 3 ba cay fruitWhich is an easily available herb Sugar, honey, milk Can also cure many diseases. As for other medicinal herbs One adds these in depending on each individual sickness But first of all, one must have compassion Do not seek for reputation or fortune I have spoken about these matters Which are essential to know and cure sickness Learn this and cure others You will have immeasurable mass of merits
Goddess, at this time, the Flowing Water son of Elder himself asked his father about the 8 methods, about the increase and decrease of individual elements (among the 4), about opposite (conflicting) weather, about the methods of prescribing medicines. Having learned this thoroughly, the elder consider himself capable of curing all sicknesses. He then travelled to various towns and villages, wherever there is a patient. He consoled them and said, I am a doctor, I am a doctor, I am well-versed in the craft of curing sicknesses. I will cure you all, and render you healthy again. Goddess, at this time, when the people have heard the Elders consoling, and promise to cure their diseases, all the seriously-ill patients were cheered up, attaining a rare form of bliss. As a result, all their sickness vanished, they enjoy great strength (and regulated energy flow), and they recovered. Goddess, at this time, there were also those who are gravely ill, and they arrived at the place of the Elder to ask for more treatment. The elder immediately prescribed medicine, instruct them to
Page 145 of 175

take the medicine, and everyone was cured. Goddess, in this manner, the Flowing Water son of Elder managed to cure all patients in the kingdom.
Chapter 25: The story of Flowing Water

The Blessed One says to the Bodhi Upholding goddess, daughter of the lineage, in the past, the Flowing Water son of Elder had cured for numerous patients in the kingdom of the Free Light king, helping all of them to recover, and enjoy great bliss. At this time, since they were free from sickness, they committed to doing many virtuous deeds, widely practicing the offering of wisdom, and derived joy from that. Together, they went to the place of the Elder sons, and respectfully said: How benign, great Elders son. You are skillful at cultivating merits and increasing roots of virtues. You bring us bliss and longevity. You are truly a great doctor, a compassionate bodhisattva, skillful at learning medicines and curing sicknesses. Such praise abounds the whole village and town. Goddess, the Elder has a wife called Fortified Water Body, and 2 sons, one called Satisfied Water, and the other, Water body. When the Elder brought along his two sons on a walk, passing by an empty swamp, in a very deep and dangerous place, he saw that all kinds of animals are flying and running to one direction. He wondered why these beasts run to one direction. And thus, he followed them, and he saw a great lake, named Beings living in the Wild, which is about to run out of water. In that lake, there were many fish. When he saw this, he generated the thought of great compassion. At this time, there was a god who appeared in half of his form, saying, how benign, child of the lineage. If you are really Flowing Water, then you should pity these fish in the lake and give them water. You are called Flowing Water for 2 reasons, one is making the water flow, and two is that you offer water. You should do according to (the meaning of) your name. The Flowing Water son of Elder asked the god, how many fish are there in this lake? The god says, exactly 10000. Goddess, when he heard this number, he grew even more sympathetic (towards these fish). The lake was also under the sun, and there was not much water left. The 10000 fish were nearly dying; they swam and swirled about slowly. When they saw the Elder, they appeared to show some hope, and looked at him constantly, without shifting their eyes. When he saw this, he ran to the 4 directions to look for water, yet could not find any. When he looked sideway, he saw a great tree; immediately, he climbed up that tree, broke the trees branches to use as shade. After that, he went away to look for the origin of the water in this lake. He found out that it was a great river called Bearing Water. At this time, by the river side, he saw many fishermen, who wished to catch some fish; as such, they looked for a vital spot of the upper course of that river and directed the flow of the river (irrigate) to other directions, not letting the water flow down to the lower course. The spot that they had dug to irrigate the water was indeed hard to refill in time. He thought, this water here was deep, even
Page 146 of 175

hundreds of thousands of people can hardly fill it up, even for the duration of 3 months, and there is no need to speak of me, alone. The Elder immediately returned to his palace, travelled to where the king was and, with his head, bowed down to the feet of the king, and stood to one side; he then respectfully held the palms together and said: I have cured the illness of the people, and made everyone quickly recover. Just now, when I travelled to an empty swamp, I saw that the Wild Beings Lake had nearly dried up. The 10000 fish in that lake were shone by the sun, and they were on the verge of death. Pray Your Highness, please think about this and allow me 20 great elephants to bring water to that lake and save their lives- just as I have saved the lives of many sick people. When the king heard just that, he immediately ordered the great minister: you, quickly grant this king of medicine great elephants. The great minister obeyed, and said, Elder, Benign one, you should yourself visit the elephant cages to select 20 great elephants to help you benefit sentient beings. The Elder, together with his two sons and the borrowed water skins, travelled to the place where the water was irrigated, and load the bags of water on the elephants to be brought back to the Wild Beings Lake, and fill it up. And the water (lake) became full again Goddess, at that time, when the Elder walked near the 4 edges of the lake and looked about, he saw that the school of fish also follow him, swimming near the edge of the lake. He thought, why do fish keep following me? Perhaps they are hungry, as such, they followed me for food. I should give to them. He said to his two sons: take the strongest elephant and quickly return home and say to your grandfatherwhatever is edible in the house, including your food, the food of my parents, or servants, please gather and bring them here. Following his fathers advice, the two sons rode the strongest elephants and quickly travelled to talk to their grandfather: pray gather whatever is edible and put them on the back of the elephants. They then quickly returned to their father, who was waiting by the side of the lake. When he saw his sons return, both his body and mind were jubilant, and he took the food and scattered them all over the lake Goddess, when the fish have eaten the food, he again thought, today I have offered food to these fish, may I offer the Dharma to these fish in the future lives. He also thought, in the past, when I passed by a wild forest, I heard a monk recite the great Vehicle Sutra, which spoke of the profound Dharma which is the 12 causes of arising. That Sutra also mentions, if any sentient beings, on the verge of death, hear the name of the Treasure Heritage Tathagata, they will born among the devas. Today, I should speak about the twelve profound causes of arising for the fish, and also chant to them the name of the Treasure Heritage Tathagata. Among those who abide in the great Jambudvipa, there are two kinds, one who sincerely and thoroughly trust and believe in the great Vehicle, and there are those who despise, and do not believe. I should initiate and nurture the belief for people like this. He thought: I should now enter the lake to speak about the profound Dharma to the fish. Having thought just so, he entered the water and spoke out loudly: Namo the great
Page 147 of 175

Treasure Heritage Tathagata who has entered Nirvana, the Tathagata, Arhat, Unsurpassed, Perfect and Complete Buddha, Knower of the world, The one who Perfect all Light, the one who has entered Nirvana, Tamer of beings to be tamed, Teacher of human and devas. The Treasure Heritage Tathagata in the past, while doing the deeds of a bodhisattva, had this vow: In the world in the 10 directions, any sentient beings who are on the verge of death, and are able to hear my name, they will be reborn to the Heaven of the 33. The Elder then speak of the miraculous Dharma to the fish. That Dharma is: if a phenomenon arises, another will follow suit, if a something is born, another will be born as a consequence, thus, when ignorance is born, acts (hnh) will follow, even for birth; if being born is born, old age, sickness and death will also be born; when a phenomenon is empty (nothing), the other phenomenon will also be empty, when something is destroyed, the other thing will also be destroyed, as such, one says that when ignorance is eliminated, acts (habits) will also be eliminated, even for birth; if being born (birth) is eliminated, old age, sickness and death will also be eliminated. And as a result the pure and ultimate heap of suffering and torment will be destroyed altogether. When the Elder has spoken of this miraculous method, he also spoke the mantra corresponding to the twelve causes of arising: Tadyatha vicani vicani vicani samscani samscani samscani bhisini bhisini bhisini svaha, satini satini satini svaha, sprsani sprsani sprsani svaha, tadyatha vedani vedani vedani svaha, trsni trsni trsni upadhini upadhini upadhini svaha, tadyatha bhavini bhavini bhavini svaha, tadyatha jatini jatini jatini svaha jammanini jammanini jammanini svaha. At this time, when the Tathagata has spoken to the assembly about the old story of the Flowing Water son of Elder, the human and devas all commend that it is indeed very rare, not having happened before. The four Heavenly kings stand up from their seat, with different mouth yet the same speech, say as followed: How benign, Blessed One! You have spoken the mantra of the miraculous Dharma Which creates merits and destroy wickedness And corresponds to the 12 limbs We will also speak of a mantra To protect that wondrous Dharma Whoever is against that mantra And not skillfully learning to follow (it) His head will break into 7 parts
Page 148 of 175
Just like the branch of an orchid Towards the Tathagata

We will now speak that mantra: Tadyatha hirini gate gandhari candari dhiri jamvare sihibhare pure pure gugumati khiramati dadhimukhi laurubha murubha kucamurulante duru duru duru virya aidhisi dadheve dadhave ustri ustravati ansaprahati padmavati kusumavate svaha The Tathagata says to the Bodhi Upholding goddess, goddess at this time, when the Flowing Water son of Elder and the 2 sons have given the fish water, food, and speak of the Dharma to them, chant to them the name of the Tathagata, they returned home. After that, they had a meeting, and, having listened to much music, they fell to sleep under the effect of wine (spirits). As for the 10000 fish which died together and were reborn to the Heaven of the 33, they think, which virtuous roots of virtue do we have, such that we are reborn here in Heaven? They said together: before, when we were still fish living in the Jambudvipa world, the Flowing Water son of Elder had given us water to live and food to eat, he also spoke to us about the miraculous method of the 12 causes of arising, and the corresponding mantra, also chant the name of the Treasure Heritage Tathagata. Thanks to this factor, we are reborn up here. Now, we should travel to where the Flowing Water son of Elder is and make offering to him to repay his kindness. The 10000 devas immediately disappeared from the Heaven of the 33, and travelled to the place where the king of medicine was. At this time, he was still sleeping on a high platform (room). The 10000 devas sons take a string of 10000 pearls to place on his face, another on his feet, another on his right trunk, another on his left trunk; they also scatter mandala and great mandala flowers on him, forming a great heap of flowers up to his knees, their light shining forth everywhere, and wondrous heavenly music was played, awaking everyone in the great Jambudvipa world from their sleep. The Elder also woke up. After they have made those offerings, the 10000 devas hovered in the air and flew away. They scattered heavenly lotus all over the kingdom of the king Heavenly Free Light. They also arrived at their old place- the empty swamp, and scattered down various heavenly flowers. And then, they disappeared, and returned to their heavenly palaces, enjoying great bliss at will. In the morning, the king Heavenly Free (Unbounded) Light asked the great ministers, for what reason was there the good sign, which is great light projecting brightly last night? The great Ministers say, you should know, these are all the work of the devas who arrived at the house of the Flowing Water son of Elder and offered 4 strings of pearls to him, each string having 10000 pearls; they also scattered heavenly mandala flowers up to his knees. The king said to the great minister: go to the house of the Sustaining Water Elder and call forth the Elder son Flowing Water here. The great ministers obeyed, and bring along the kings request, saying that the king summons you. He quickly came to the kings place. He asked, for what reasons was there such a rare phenomenon last night? He says, in my opinion, it is definitely due to the fish in the lake, who, just as what is said in the Sutra, have been reborn in the Heaven of the 33. They came to repay the kindness; hence, such a strange and rare phenomenon
Page 149 of 175

occurred. The king asked: how do you know? He spoke, may His Highness command a messenger to follow me to that lake and make an appraisal about the situation, whether the fish are still alive or they are dead? When the king heard so, he immediately commanded a messenger and his two sons to go to the lake. When he arrived there, he saw that there are many mandala flowers, all stacked into great heaps. The fish were all dead. When they have seen this, they return and described what they have seen. When the king has heard about it, he was greatly rejoiced, commenting that it is indeed rare The Tathagata says to the Bodhi Upholding goddess: goddess should know, Flowing Water the son of Elder in the past is now the Tathagata. The Sustaining Water Elder was the Gentle Garland bodhisattva. The two sons of the son of Elders, the eldestSatisfied with Water, is now Silver Garland, and the younger son Water Body is now Silver Light. And the king Heavenly Free Light is today you, the Bodhi Upholding goddess. The school of (10000) fish are today the 10000 devas here. Since the Tathagata gave them water to live in, food to eat, and also spoke to them about the twelve profound causes of arising for the fish, the mantra corresponding to that methods, and also chant for them the name of the Treasure Heritage Tathagata. Thanks to this root of virtues, they were reborn among the devas (and keep being born as devas). Today, they came to the place of the Tathagata and joyfully listened to the Dharma, and the Tathagata makes a prediction that they will attain Unsurpassed Enlightenment, and also tells them their future name (as Buddhas). Goddess, in the past, even when I was in cyclic existence, the Tathagata still benefits sentient beings in a great way (universally helping them). Towards countless sentient beings, the Tathagata gradually makes them attain the Unsurpassed Enlightenment and makes a prediction of them. You should do as the Tathagatas do; you need to pray for (the attainment of) liberation, do not be indulgent. Everyone in the assembly, having heard the Tathagata say just so, understands that one needs to use great compassion to help all sentient beings, and also undergo arduous activities to attain the Unsurpassed Enlightenment. Everyone make (and initiate) profound vows, and joyfully accept what the Tathagata teaches.
Page 150 of 175
Chapter 26: Sacrificing (offering) ones life

When the Tathagata has spoken about the story of the 10000 devas, the Tathagata continues to speak to the Bodhi Upholding goddess and the assembly: in the past, when the Tathagata was still on the path of a bodhisattva, the Tathagata not only gave water and food to save the school of fish, but the Buddha also offered His life. Such a phenomenon should be known together. At this time, the Tathagata- the Arhat, Unsurpassed Buddha, the Master of human and devas, the one whose hundreds and thousands rays of light shine forth in the worlds in the 10 directions, Knower of the world, the one who completes great merits- leads the monks and the whole assembly to the residential area called Bajara, and from there enters a forest. The land here is flat, free from thorns; there spring up many renowned kinds of flowers; soft grass grows all over the earth surface. The Tathagat says to the Venerable Ananda: do make a seat for the Tathagata under the trunk of that tree, The Venerable carries is out and says to the Blessed One: I have already arranged a sitting place, may the Tathagata tell me when the time is suitable. The Tathagata then sits cross-legged on that place, his body is up straight, and with mindfulness, he ask of the monks: do you wish to see the relics of the ancient bodhisattva who underwent arduous activities? The monk replies, Blessed One, we wish to. The Tathagata then uses his hand with hundreds of solemn merits and presses on the ground. Immediately, the whole world trembles in six ways, and cracks apart, and a stupa made of the 7 precious substances appears, on the top of this stupa are covered nets of pearls and jewels attached to it. The whole assembly sees this and regards it as very rare. The Tathagata then stands up from his seat, pays homage to the stupa, walks around the stupa on the right side, and goes back to his seat. He then tells the Venerable Ananda to open the door of the stupa. When the Venerable does that, he sees that there is a box made of the 7 precious substances, greatly adorned with many rare kinds of jewels. The Venerable speaks to the Tathagata: there is a box made of the 7 precious substances, decorated with many kinds of gems. The Tathagata tells him to open it; the Venerable obeys, and opens it; when he opens, he sees that there are white relics, just like the white agate, like white snow and the white lotus. The Venerable says to the Tathagata: there are relics in the box, which have extraordinary color and beauty. The Tathagata tells him to bring the relics of the great bodhisattva here, and the Venerable Ananda take the relics and respectfully hand it to the Blessed One. The Blessed One holds the relics in his hand and speaks to the monks, do take a look at the relics of the bodhisattva who undergoes arduous activities. He then speaks in verses: The great virtues of the Bodhisattva Correspond with having wisdom, He is courageous and constantly exerting efforts
Page 151 of 175

And able to consummate the 6 realms He often cultivates virtues, without stopping, All just for the great Enlightenment. Monks, you should together bow down in homage to the bodhisattvas relics. These relics are fumed (supported) by infinite perfumes of (the precepts of) great wisdom and meditation, it is the supreme field of merits, and extremely hard to see. The monks, together with the whole assembly one-mindedly hold the palms together and respectfully bow down to those relics, praising: excellence, how rare! At this time, the Venerable Ananda walks forward to the Tathagata and bows down to his feet, saying, Blessed One, You are the great master, surpassing all, and You are venerated by all sentient beings; (then) why do you bow down to this Relics? The Blessed One says, Venerable Ananda, thanks to these Relics, the Tathagata has quickly attained Unsurpassed Enlightenment. To repay the past kindness, Buddha bows down (to the Relics). The Tathagata also says, Ananda, I will speak to you about the past story of these Relics, so that all your doubt, and the doubt of the whole assembly, will be eliminated. You should ruminate on this, and one-mindedly listen. The Venerable Ananda says: we wish to listen. May the Blessed One speak to us (about the history of these Relics) The Blessed One says, Venerable Ananda, in the past there was a king named Great Chariot, he was very rich, having many properties; his whole stores were always abundant and filled up; his armies were strong and mighty, earning great respect from all. The king also used the Dharma to teach those who are less fortunate. The people are populous, and there were no enemies to that kingdom. The Queen gave birth to 3 sons, who were all handsome, solemn, and good-looking. The Eldest Prince was named Mahabala, the second eldest was named Mahadeba, and the youngest was Mahasatva. At this time, the king travelled to the forest, and the three Princes followed as his retinues. They were busy looking for fruit and flowers, thus, the three Princes were separated (from the king?); they wandered about the bamboo forest and rested here. The Eldest Prince said: I feel insecure, are there wild beasts in this forest who want to harm us? The second eldest Prince said: I have never held on to my body; I am just afraid of the sorrow of those who are close to me (when I am gone). The youngest Prince said to his two Elder brothers: This is the dwelling place of fairies I am not afraid, not even of the suffering Caused by being separated from my loved ones My body and mind
Page 152 of 175
He does not leave (the mind of) fortitude And his mind is never tired
Are suffused with great bliss This is the sign that there will be Supreme and Distinctive merits and virtues (To be acquired)

When the three Princes had spoken about their feelings and premonitions, they walked forward, and saw a tiger which had just given birth to 7 cubs. Since the mother tiger had just given birth (to the cubs), and was surrounded by its youngsters, it suffered greatly from thirst and hunger; its body was thin and emaciated, as if about to die. The first Prince said: this tiger is really pitiful, since it was surrounded by its youngsters, and was unable to look for food. It must be so hungry that it might even eat its cubs. The Satva Prince asked his brother, what does this mother tiger often eat? The Eldest one spoke to him: Tigers, leopards, wolves and lions Only eat hot-blooded creatures And nothing else To overcome this hunger When the second eldest Prince heard this, he said: this tiger is about to die, but how can we look for the food like what you have said? Who wants to give up ones life for the sake of this tiger (his predicament)? The Eldest Prince said: There is nothing harder than giving up ones life. The Satva Prince said, we hold on to this life, and have no wisdom, not being able to give anyone else some benefits. However, the great bodhisattvas have the heart of compassion, often giving up ones life for the sake of others. The Prince Satva then thought to himself, this body of mind has been thrown away and left to rot for hundreds of thousands of eons, yet not bringing about a single benefit to anyone, why may I not give up this life to save the tigress from hunger. All the 3 (2?) Princes, having spoken the above words, showed great pity and worry for the hungry tigress, they looked at the tigress, not knowing what to do and so they left. However, the Satva Prince thought to himself incessantly: now is just the time for me to abandon this body. Why? Since a long time ago in the past I have held on to this body The body is which belching and impure I am unable to love it I have offered beds to lie on Together with clothes, chariots And all kinds of precious items Yet this body still decays, Because it is impermanent One is unable to be satisfied With what one wishes (to have for this body) And even if one holds on to this body It still perishes. I nourish it so And now, it still comes back to harm me And then abandons me, Not knowing anything about gratitude!
Page 153 of 175

Moreover, this body is not permanent; it is useless to me. This body is as fearful as the enemy, as stained and impure as manure. Today, I command it to work for a great cause. In the great sea of birth and death, it must be the great vessel. It must abandon cyclic existence and reach liberation. The prince also thought: when one abandons this body, one also abandons much sickness and terrors. This body only has decomposition. It is as fragile as water bubbles. It is the gathering place of worms and maggots; it lives only because of the connections between ligaments, bones, blood and veins. As such, I should abandon it, to pray for the Supreme Nirvana and the great salvation. In there, one forever abandons impermanence, birth-death and the suffering of cyclic existence. That place is cultivated by the might that comes from meditation and wisdom, solemn with hundreds of virtues and merits. That place consummates the Supreme Knowledge, attaining the miraculous Dharma body. When one has accomplished and attained such qualities, one then give to sentient beings boundless joy that comes from the Dharma. The Prince Satva at this time generated the thought of great courage and strength; he made great vows, and fortified himself (his mind) with great compassion. However, he was afraid that his two brothers might grow attached and worried, and thus stop him. Thus, he said, my two brothers please go first, and I will follow awhile. The Prince Mahasatva then returned to the forest, to the place where the hunger tigress was; he then took off his clothes and hang them on the bamboo trees and make a vow: For the sake of sentient beings As numerous as contained in the whole worlds I pray for the Unsurpassed Enlightenment And great Wisdom I now generate the thought of great compassion, Which is unswerving And I will abandon the body That the lay people held on to. The Bodhi place is free from all heat Whoever is wise likes It much. All kinds of sentient beings, Who are in the great sea of sufferings May I liberate them, And raise them to Enlightenment.
When the Prince has made those vows, he then lay prostrate in front of the tigress. However, the might of great compassion of the bodhisattva prevented the tigress from doing anything. Seeing so, the bodhisattva then ran to a high mountain top and threw himself down, yet still he did not die; it was due to the support of gods and fairies. The Prince thought, the tigress must be really hungry, thus it cannot even devour me. He stood up and looked for a knife, but could not find any. He then took dry bamboo sticks and stabbed through his throat to bleed himself, and walked to the place of the tiger. At this time, the great earth trembled in six ways, just like the wind agitating the water, the earth shook up and down continuously. The sun did not shine, just as if it had been covered by Rakula. Everywhere, there was darkness,
Page 154 of 175

without any light. The devas scattered renowned flowers and wondrous perfumes all over the forests. In mid space, when they saw such scenes, they praised: How rare and benign, great being! They spoke in the following verses: The great one has generated great compassion To save the animals, He looks at all sentient beings Just like his only child; Strong and rejoiced He does not regret Giving up his life, This is truly inconceivable and hard to measure You will definitely reach The supreme permanent truth And be released from cyclic existence Together with all its bonds; You will quickly attain The supreme Knowledge of Enlightenment, Which is quiet and peacefulAppearing the state of Non-birth
At this time, when the tigress sensed the blood that trickled from the neck of the Bodhisattva, it licked the blood, and ate the flesh of the bodhisattva, only leaving behind bones When the Eldest Prince saw the earth trembling, he spoke to his brother: The great continent, mountains and rivers All trembled together All four directions, there is no light Not seeing the sun rays . When the second eldest Prince heard his brother, he spoke the following verses I heard our youngest Speak kind words of compassion When he saw the hungry tigress With its pale and thin body Hunger tormented it It must have nearly eaten its cubs I suspect that our brother, Has given up his life. Heavenly flowers fell down All over the space This must be the sign Of our youngest giving up his life
The second Prince was devastated, grieved and cried out in lamentation. They immediately travelled to the place where the tigers were. When they reached there,
Page 155 of 175

they saw the clothes of their youngest brother hanging on the bamboo trees, while bones and hair were scattered all over, and blood stained the whole ground red. Upon seeing this, they fainted, uncontrollably, They fell down to the bones of their youngest brother, and only regained consciousness after a while. They raised their arms, cried out and lamented: My brother has great appearance, good signs Our parents love him the most Why, we arrived here as 3 people And now, he abandoned us, never to return! While the two princes cried out in lamentation, and decided to return home, the retinues of the youngest prince said to one another, where is the Prince? We must look for him! As for the queen, who was sleeping on a high platform, she saw many unusual phenomenons in her dream: she saw that her breasts have been cut off, and all her teeth were dislodged (from their cavities). And that there are 3 doves, one was captured and killed, the other 2 was terrified. When the tremor occurred, she woke up, bearing great sorrow in her blossom: Why is there such a great tremor today? The whole continent shook, The rivers and forests were all shifting The sun became pitch black As if covered by something, My eyes are twitching, and my chest is moving These are abnormal (compared to daily phenomenon)? From the breasts of the queen there flowed milk. She was certain that there must be something amidst. At this time, when the female messengers have heard those from the outside saying that they could not find the prince, she was terrified, and immediately rushed to the queen, saying: Your Majesty, you should know that outside, the people are running in great disorder to look for the prince, yet could not find him. When the queen heard this, she became even more worried, and her eyes
Page 156 of 175
If our parents should ask, How are we to reply? Rather that we also kill ourselves What use is there to live?
My heart was as if struck by an arrow Of great fear and impatience, My whole body is trembling uncontrollably The unusual phenomenons that I dreamed of, Must have indicated some extraordinary incident!

were full of tears; she approached to the king and say: Great king, I heard those outside say that our youngest- the one we love the most- has been lost. The King was in great shock when he heard this, and he cried: This is too much; I have lost my dear child. However, he washed away his tears and said to the Queen: Benign Sustainer, do not cry any more. We should together go to look for our dear child. After that, he, together with the queen and the people exit the castle and spread out to look (for the Prince) everywhere. After a while, a great minister came up, and said: I heard that the Princes are still alive, pray Your Highness worry not. Only the youngest prince is yet to be found. The king having heard just that, lament- I am wretched, my poor child, I have lost the child I love the most! When I have just had a son I was happy for a little Now that I have lost my son I suffer much When the Queen has heard such words, she appeared as if struck by an arrow, and she lamented I had 3 sons, together with their retinues They went to the forest To enjoy the scenery Now my youngest, he alone did not return There must be something amidst! When the second Minister approached the king, the king immediately enquired him: where is my son? The great minister was full of misery and sorrow, his tongue was dry, and his throat hurt, he was speechless, not knowing how to reply. The queen said: Great Minister, please quickly say Where is my son? My whole body is set ablaze I am terrified and in great panic I have no patience left Do not let my stomach burst! Whoever can revive my son, Even if I lost my life I am willing to.
Page 157 of 175

The great Minister had no choice but to recount the story of the prince giving up his life. When the king and queen have listened, they felt great unbearable sorrow, and they ran to the place where the Prince gave up his life- to the bamboo forests where the bodhisattva abandoned his life. When they see the bones scattered all over the place, they also fell to the ground, as if they were struck dead. They are like a great tree that has been uprooted by the wind. They passed out, and only regained consciousness when the great Minister spray water on them. They spread their arms wide, cry out and lament: A disaster has befallen on you You are very beautiful! Why has death come to you first? I would rather see my own death before you, So as not to see such great misery as this! When the queen regained consciousness, her hair was disheveled; her two hands beat at her own stomach and lay writhing on the ground. Just like a fish away from the water, like a cow losing her calf, the queen was greatly depressed: Who has killed my son? There are only bones remaining. Now that I have lost my dear child I am in great unendurable distress! Who has killed my son? And created this misery My heart is not made of Vajra How can it not break into pieces! In my dream, I saw my two breasts cut off My teeth also fell off. And now I was suffering so much! I also dreamed of 3 doves One was taken away and killed Now I know reason, My son was killed
The nightmare was not false! At this time, the king, together with the queen and his two sons, everyone was crying in lamentation, they left behind their strings of pearls. Together with the people, they collected the relics of Bodhisattvas, and placed them in a stupa to make offering. Venerable Ananda, you should know, these are the relics of that Bodhisattva The Blessed One says to the Venerable Ananda, in the past, when the Tathagata still had (some remnants of) greed, hatred and ignorance, together with all kinds of defilement, yet (even on these 5 evil paths), the Tathagata still salvaged sentient beings (from those realms), depending on their particular predicaments and circumstances; there is no need to speak of the Tathagata now, when I have
Page 158 of 175

uprooted all defilements, all past habits having been eliminated, and become the Master of human and devas, Knower of the world, how much more do I wish to benefit them now? I am willing to help each individual sentient beings, willing to live in hell and other realms for many eons on their behalf (so that they will not suffer), and liberate them from birth-death, defilement and cyclic existence. At this time, the Tathagata wants to repeat what he has said in verses: I remembered in the past Countless of eons ago I was kings, and also princes. I have often done great acts of offering Even giving away my own life And pray to become liberated from birthdeath To approach the Great Enlightenment. In the past there was a great kingdom The king was called Great Chariot, And the prince was named Great Strength He courageously gave offering The Prince had two brothers Great Skills and Great Heaven The three brothers embarked on a journey And gradually they entered a forest Where they saw a tiger, which was suffering from hunger They thought: this tigress was tormented by hunger And it had nothing to eat. The great bodhisattva upon seeing this Feared that the tigress might even devour its cubs As such, he gave up his life, To save both mother and child. The great continent and mountains All tremble at the same time Water in rivers and ocean also boiled up Waves grew fierce and the river flowed In opposite directions The earth lost its light And there was darkness everywhere Beasts and animals dwelling in the forests Also flew from their lairs The other two Princes, not seeing their brother Were troubled and devastated They together with their retinues Looked for him everywhere in the forest The two brothers discussed with each other Let us go back to the mountain far away They looked around and saw no sign of him What they saw was just the tigress And its 7 cubs, their snouts smeared by blood While the heap of bones and hair
Page 159 of 175

Was scattered everywhere They also saw blood dripping From the jungles trees And they were terrified. They fell down to the ground And was unconscious, not knowing anything. Their bodies were soiled with dirt And there senses lost their consciousness. The retinues of the two princes Cried out and remained in great fear, They took the water and sprayed on the princes And shook their arms to the sky Cried out and shouted in lamentation. At the same time as when the bodhisattva Gave up his life, the mother in the palace Together with 500 female servants Was still enjoying bliss Suddenly, from the Queens two breasts Milk flew out, Her body was as if punctured by needles Which was greatly painful and uncomfortable. Suddenly, she thought of losing her son She was terrified, as if her heart was struck With an arrow She immediately came to the king And told him the suffering she was enduring. She bursted into tears and was unable to calm down And heart-rendingly spoke to the king Your Highness, please know that I am in great misery From my breasts suddenly flows out water And I could not stop it. My whole body was as if punctured My body was ablaze, and my stomach Is almost ready to burst. The evil premonition of that nightmare Must have indicated that I would lose my son Pray the king, please save me And order people to look for him. I dreamed of 3 doves The youngest one was my favorite Suddenly, it was snatched away and killed And I was indescribably sorrowful. I was flooded with fear and terror Quickly arriving death I fear that the prince is no longer alive Pray the king, please quickly go and look for him. When I heard others say that My youngest was nowhere to be found I was uneasy Pray the king please sympathize with me!
Page 160 of 175

When the Queen has spoken to the King Her whole body crashed to the ground, In great pain, she fainted And lost consciousness, not knowing anything When the female servants saw the Queen faint, They let out a piteous cry As they lost their balance, and also a support. When the King has heard the Queen say so He was greatly worried and agitated Then, he ordered to soldiers To look for his most beloved son. The king and his retinues exit the castle And divided themselves into groups To look for the Prince Whoever they saw, they ask: Do you see the Prince? Is the Prince still alive? Where did he go? How can I find him, and make my heart rest easy. (And liberate me from all fear) Everyone heard the rumor That the Prince is dead. Whoever heard that was in great pain and sympathy They can hardly control their pain and sorrow. At this time, the Great Chariot king Stood up and cried out And arrived at the place Where the Queen was (unconscious) And spray water on her body. After a long time, when she was sprayed with water She came round, and cried out, asking the King Is my son still alive? The King said to the Queen: I have ordered people to travel To 4 directions to look for the Prince Yet I have heard no news. The King then said to the Queen: You should not be too worried, Try to keep calm a little So we can go together and look for him. The king and the queen travelled by a chariot Uttering great yells of despair They were worried, as if their body were burnt. Thousands of the kings people Also travelled with the king, They also wish to find the Prince, Their lamentation was incessant. The King tried to look for his son, And looked to the 4 directions, As he saw a person, walking towards him
Page 161 of 175

That persons body was covered with blood And his hair was let loose. His body was soiled by dust. He was crying and walking in the opposite direction. When the king saw this evil sign He became more distressed and uneasy. He raised both his arms and shouted uncontrollably. The first great Minister Quickly went near the king, And tried to comfort the king, saying: Your Majesty, please do not be so distressed, Your most beloved son has yet been found, But maybe after in a while, he will arrive And disperse your worries. The king kept on moving, and saw the second Minister. This person went to the king With tears trickling down from his eyes, he said The two Prince are still alive, But they are greatly troubled. As for the third Prince, He had been devoured By impermanence. A hungry tigress gave birth to its cubs And was about to eat them. When the Prince Satva saw this, He loved and pitied them, Wishing to attain the Unsurpassed method And salvage all sentient beings. His mind was intent on the great Enlightenment As deep and wide as the sea. Thus, he climbed on top of a mountain, And tried to tumble down In front of the hungry tigress Since the tigress was too weak, It could not grab and devour the Prince, The Prince then used bamboos And inflicted a wound on his neck Letting our blood. The Tigress licked his blood, and ate him Now what remained are just bones. When the King and the Queen heard this They faint (right there), And great love and sorrow filled their hearts, In the great blazing fire of defilement. The great Minister used perfumed water To scatter on the King and the Queen. When they came round, they again shouted out And used their fists to beat on their chests. The third Minister said as followed to the king:
Page 162 of 175

I have discovered the 2 Princes Who have fainted in the forest. I have used cool water to spray on them, Thanks to that, they regained consciousness, And looked to 4 sides Saw it as if it were consumed by fire. Thus, he fell again while making an attempt To stand up, they cried out ceaselessly. Raising both their arms and said, My younger brother is rare. When the King heard this, He became even more worried. While the mother shrieked out And lamented as followed: How I love my youngest son, Now, he has been devoured by demons! Though my two elder sons are still alive They are burnt by the fire of sorrow. I must quickly go under that mountain, And console them, to save their lives. The Queen immediately drove there, Wishing to quickly come to the place Her youngest son had given up his life. On the way, she saw her sons Crying while walking, and beat about their stomachs They lost all refined gait, and in deep despair. When the parents see them thus, They hugged their sons with sorrow, And together, they went to the place Where the youngest one gave up his life. When they arrived at the place The bodhisattva had given up his life, The family cried out With extreme pains They took off the strings of pearls And woefully collected The bones of the bodhisattvas. Then everyone made offerings together: They took that Relic, and put It inside this box And construct at that place A stupa (tower) made of the 7 precious substances, After that, they came back to the castle With great despair. Venerable Ananda, The past Satva Is Me now, Sakyamuni, Do not think as of anyone else. The king is The Pure Brahma, The queen is Maya,
Page 163 of 175

The Eldest Prince is Compassionate views (T th) And the second eldest is Manjushri The Tigress is the Great Lord of the world 5 cubs: the 5 monks Another is Mahamagkashyapa (Mc kin lin) Another is Sariputra. The Tathagata speaks of the old story For the assembly to know That one should benefit others That is the practice of a bodhisattva . When the Tathagata speaks of this story, the whole assembly, including countless human and devas, everyone was greatly moved and sad, they praise and rejoice, saying that it is a rare phenomenon, and they together generated the thought of Unsurpassed Enlightenment. The Tathagata speaks to the Bodhi Upholding goddess: The Tathagata respectfully bowed to repay the past kindness. Having said so, Buddha withdrew His power, and the treasure tower came back to earth. The cause of becoming a Buddha: The whole assembly Should practice as such. When a bodhisattva gives up his life, He made a great vow, I vow that my bones Will bring great benefits To all sentient beings, In countless lives after this. And at this location here Is exactly the place Where the bodhisattva has given up his life, It is also the place of the Stupa Made of the 7 precious substances, Since many eons have passed It has been buried deep in the ground. Thanks to the might of the past great vow, That I will salvage sentient beings Depending on suitable conditions As such, this treasure tower appears To benefit all human and devas
Chapter 27: Praise of the Bodhisattva

When the Tathagata Sakyamuni speaks the Sutra of the Golden Light, countless bodhisattvas in the worlds in the ten directions also left their world systems to arrive at the Vultures Peak, to the place where the Blessed One is, and fall down to prostrate on the ground, they then bow down to the Buddha and one-mindedly, with different mouths but the same speech, praised:
Page 164 of 175

The color of the Buddhas form body Glows with the color of Golden Light Its light spreads throughout Just like a real mountain of gold, Which is pure and gentle, Just like the lotus blossom Iridescent with colors And supreme decorations The 32 good signs Decorate His whole body Together with 80 forms of beauty Perfectly adorned, with bright luminescent light None (people) are the same, and As clear as the full moon. His voice, among all sounds Is very subtle And has the authority of a thunder Like the roaring of a lion, With the 8 special qualities, That correspond (adapt?) to all Much more than the sound Of the kalavinga sparrow etc. You decorate your body form With hundreds of merits The perfect light that is stainless, Your wisdom is clear and quiet Just like the great ocean, Your vast merits Are like space. The light shining to all world systems In the ten directions. You salvage countless sentient beings, Depending on the causes and circumstances. Love and attachment, even habits are exhausted, The Dharma torch is ever burning Never extinguished. You pity all kinds of sentient beings In the present and future Giving them great joy and bliss, You often speak about the supreme meaning of the path And make them acquire The true and pure Nirvana. The Tathagata speaks of The supreme Dharma Which is like the dews of immortality And offers the meaning (reason) Of the miraculous dew of immortality He leads beings to the castle Of the dew of immortality of Nirvana, And enables them to enjoy
Page 165 of 175

The dew of immortality of Dharma bliss. The Buddha often abides In the sea of birth and death, And free many sentient beings From suffering Buddha helps them stand firmly On the blissful path, Bringing about the joy Of acquiring what one wishes for Which is hard to measure (the joy) The ocean of merits (Is) Extremely wide and deep, One cannot use examples to portray. Buddha often generates the heart of great compassion Towards sentient beings, Often using various means to help them Without stopping. Buddhas sea of wisdom Has no (external) boundaries Suppose human and devas Together try to measure and estimate (That sea) for thousands of eons They are still unable to know, And the little that they know Is indeed little. What we can summarily Offer praise to Buddhas virtues Is just a droplet Among that sea of merits, We dedicate this mass of merit (from praising?) To all sentient beings, May we quickly attain The miraculous fruit of enlightenment.
At that time, the Tathagata speaks to the bodhisattvas, how benign, you have skillfully offered such praise to the Tathagatas virtues, benefitting sentient beings, and doing the work for the Tathagatas: eliminate countless wicked results, and generate countless good results.
Chapter 28: The Praise of Gentle Garland

At this time, the Gentle Garland bodhisattva stands up from his seat, lets bear the right shoulder, touches the right knee to the ground, and hold the palms together towards the Tathagata and praises: The good body form of the Tathagata
Page 166 of 175

With hundreds of perfect (completed) merits And countless virtues Adorn the Tathagatas body Pure as silver And pleasing to behold Buddhas light shines forth Just like a thousand suns The light glows brightly With all colors. Buddhas commanding good signs Are just like a whole mass of precious gemstone (jade) Just like the rising sun Which shines brightly the whole space, With its pink, white and special golden color. And just like a golden mountain Which spreads Its light To everywhere Hundreds of thousand world systems And eliminate infinite sufferings For sentient beings, bringing to them The supreme joy and peace. The whole and complete good signs of the Tathagata Are very pure and solemn Sentient beings like to behold Without bore. Buddhas hair is soft and smooth With a dark blue color Like the pure black (honey?) bees Which group on beautiful flowers. (Buddhas) Great bliss and great forgiving Are very solemn Great compassion and loving-kindness Very complete, Buddhas supreme good signs Decorate the body These are formed by (and made up of) The Bodhyanga. Giving to sentient beings Numerous merits And let them abide in great peace and joy. Buddhas good signs Are adorned with many wondrous virtues As such, the light shines forth To thousands of world systems The light and good signs Is ultimate and completely bright As such, They are like the sun Shining brightly, and hovering in space And like mount Sumeru Which has complete and whole merits Its forms change in various places (bin th cng khp) In the worlds in the ten directions. Buddhas mouth is gold, and supremely beautiful Very solemn and commanding.
Page 167 of 175

Buddhas teeth are white, uniform and close (one to another) Just like snow and pearl And the whole face of the Tathagata Is unsurpassed, and peerless Together with the white hair between Buddhas eyes Which curls to the right; Shimmering white, fresh and gentle Just like crystals And like the moon Which stays freely in space.
The Blessed One says to the Gentle Garland bodhisattva, your praise of the virtues of Buddha is inconceivable, and capable of benefitting sentient beings, making those who have not previously known conform and cultivate their virtues.
Chapter 29: The praise of the Bodhi Upholding goddess

At this time, the Bodhi Upholding goddess also speaks the following verses to praise the Tathagata. I bow down to the one Whose wisdom is extremely pure I bow down to the one Whose wisdom often wishes to attain the Righteous Dharma I bow down to the one Whose wisdom separates Itself from unrighteousness I bow down to the one Whose wisdom forever surpasses all distinction (differentiate) The virtues that have no boundaries are rare Just as rare and hard to see As the Udambala flowers As rare as the ocean
Page 168 of 175
Which protects (and abides by) the lord of mountains, Rare is the light that has no quantities Rare are the vows of great compassion Rare is the light that surpasses the ocean You speak of this Sutra, The gem among all Sutras Which often thinks of ways to benefit All sentient beings. Demonstrate the Emptiness Of the sense of fixed meditation Enter into emptiness The fort of Nirvana,

Abide in emptiness All methods of Universal dharani (php ng tr) Consummate the emptiness (vng lng) Of the profound realm Abide in the supreme Emptiness And see even oneself as empty, Also see that the Dharma, Are all empty in nature, Also see sentient beings as empty. I often think of The Tathagata, I often like to look at The Tathagata, I am often keen on The Tathagata I often meet The Sun of the Tathagata (comparison) I often bow down To the Tathagata I crave to make a vow My mind will never leave (abandon) I am moved to tears, And my thought is uninterrupted, I vow to serve With an untiring heart.
Page 169 of 175
May the Blessed One Generate the thought of great compassion And enable me to frequently see The appearance of the Tathagata, I pray that the Tathagata Together with the Pure retinues Will often salvage Countless human and devas Your Body is transparent and bright Just like space And the transformed body is like Illusions, moon (image) in the water Pray the Tathagata please speak The dews of immortality of Nirvana, To generate the mass of merits The pure realm of the Tathagata, Compassion, righteous virtues Are all inconceivable; Hearers and Solitary Enlightened ones Are unable to understand, (measure) And the bodhisattvas Also cannot conceive it thoroughly Pray the Tathagata, please love And sympathize with me (keep me in Your mind), Please make me often see

The body of the Great Compassionate One. I use my 3 habits (speech, mind, body) To worship the Great Compassionate One Untiringly May I quickly be liberated From birth and death And return to Suchness.
When the Tathagata has heard these verses of praise, He uses the voice of Brahma to say to the Bodhi Upholding goddess, how benign, goddess; goddess can have such words of praise to benefit oneself and others like this; you have praised the wondrous form of the Tathagatas Dharma body, the true body, not one that is false, and (is) one that is very pure. Thanks to the merits that come from these praises, you will quickly attain the Unsurpassed Enlightenment, and also make sentient beings cultivate their virtues just like goddess does. Whoever listens to this praise will enter into the sweet dews of immortality, and the door of Non-birth.
Chapter 30: The praise of the Sarasvati goddess

At this time, the Great Heavenly Eloquent goddess stands up from her seat, holds the palms together respectfully and uses the following words to praise the Tathagata: I now down to You, the Sakyamuni Buddha, the Tathagata, Arhat, Perfect and Complete Buddha, the one whose body has a golden color, a neck like nacre, a face like the moon, eyes like the blue lotus, mouth and lips as red and beautiful as crystal. Your nose is high, long and straight, just like the tip of gold. Your teeth are white, uniform and close together, just like the white lotuses. The light from Your body shines forth like hundreds of thousand suns. The color of that light is like the gold in the Jambudvipa world. You often speak with certainty and truth; open the three doors of liberation and the three paths of enlightenment. Your mind is often pure, and so is your liking. The place where you live and the place where you walk are also pure. Not wanting in authority and solemnity, your movement is also without a fault. You undergo arduous activities for 6 years, and turn the wheel of Dharma 3 times, you help sentient beings who are suffering from misery, and make them return to the shore of enlightenment and knowledge. Your body form is just like the Cau da great tree. 6 levels of cultivating virtues; and your 3 habits (speech, etc.) are perfect. Sufficient with the Buddhas knowledge, consummate the benefits for oneself and others. Whatever you speak is directed towards sentient beings. You do not speak meaninglessly (without a purpose), you are the great lion of the Sakya lineage. Fortified, courageous, complete the 8 methods of salvations.
Page 170 of 175

Today, with my limited ability, I praise a small portion of the Tathagatas virtues. The deed that I did is just like a water mosquito (attempt) drinking the water of the great ocean. However, I now dedicate this merit to all sentient beings, and pray that we together will be free from cyclic existence, and accomplished the Unsurpassed Method. The Tathagata says to Sarasvati, how benign, goddess; you have cultivated virtues for a long time, and you have great eloquence; now you have presented your praise to the Tathagata. Thanks to this act, you will quickly attain the supreme method, having complete and bright good forms, and benefit all.
Chapter 31: Confer the king of Sutra

At this time, the Tathagata speaks in general to the assembly, with its countless bodhisattvas, human and devas, you should know that the Tathagata has undergone arduous activities in countless great eons, and thanks to this, Buddha has acquired the profound Dharma- the Dharma that acts as an essential factor for the Bodhi wisdom, and now, I have spoken to you about this Dharma. Who amongst you can have the courage and will to respectfully maintain and keep that Method? When the Tathagata has entered into Nirvana, who can spread and expound this Sutra, making It abide long in this world? At this time, in the assembly, there are 60 kotis bodhisattvas and 60 kotis devas, with different mouth yet the same speech who say as followed, Blessed One, each and every one of us will always rejoice, will always be keen on this profound Method; we will not spare our lives in maintaining It- The method which is the essential factor in attaining the Bodhi wisdom, one which the Tathagata has acquired only after He has undergone arduous activities for countless great eons. When the Tathagata has entered into Nirvana, we will expound and propagate that Method, and make It abide long in this world. The great bodhisattvas speak to the Tathagata in the following verses: The Tathagata speaks the truth And abide in the true Dharma: Just this truth will protect this Sutra. Great compassion as the armor, Great loving-kindness as the footing: The might of that compassion and loving-kindness. Will protect and sustain this Sutra. When the reasoning (t lng) of merits is consummated The reasoning of wisdom will be born Just that whole and complete consummation Will protect and sustain this Sutra. Subduing all kinds of wicked Mara,
Page 171 of 175

Eliminating all kinds of wicked, evil teachings, Eliminating all wicked views, These will protect and sustain this Sutra. The Protectors of the world, and Indra The Brahma king together with the 8 classes (of Yaksa?) Such gods and devas Will protect and sustain this Sutra. Often abiding long On earth and in void space Respectfully listening to the words of the Buddha When the four Protectors (Heavenly Kings) of the world have listened to the request from the Tathagata to protect the Dharma, everyone rejoices and protects that Dharma, at the same time, they spoke these verses: We and our relatives, Will one-mindedly protect and sustain This Dharma Sutra And we will propagate It wide and far. . Indra respectfully holds the palms together and says the following verses: When the Tathagata has attained this Method, He wishes to repay the kindness So Buddha speaks this Sutra To benefit bodhisattvas. The Tushita devas son respectfully holds the palms together and says the following verses: I often think of ways to repay Buddhas kindness Thus I will protect this Sutra And those who uphold this Sutra. Whoever upholds this Sutra As the cause (seed) for Bodhi We from all directions Will protect and serve that person To protect and sustain this Sutra. Adapting (correspond) to the 4 Brahma abiding (Thch ng bn phn tr) Decorating the 4 Noble Truths, Vanquishing the 4 kinds of Mara. These will protect and sustain this Sutra. Void air can become matters Matters can become void air Yet the Dharma that the Buddhas keep Cannot shift and chage.
Page 172 of 175

The Tathagata speaks of this Sutra, Whoever upholds It Will abide on the altar of wisdom And will be born to the Tushita heaven. Blessed One, I rejoice in leaving behind The bliss of the devas world To praise this king of Sutra
In the Jambudvipa world. The Brahma king of the Saha world system respectfully holds the palms together and says the following verses: Countless Samadhi and meditation (doors) And all liberation (doors) All come forth from this Sutra, In the place where this Sutra is spoken I will abandon my joy To listen to this Sutra And often protect that place.
As such, One must speak of this Sutra. The son of Mara king called Traders respectfully holds the palms together and says the following verses: Anyone who upholds this SutraThe Sutra that accords with the righteous practice (and virtues) Will not be bothered by Mara And will themselves eliminate the karma (habits) of Mara The Mara king respectfully holds the palms together and says the following verses: Anyone who upholds this Sutra, Suppressing defilements, Such people like these I will protect. Anyone who expounds this Sutra Will not be harmed by the wicked Mara; Under the might of the Tathagata As such, I also protect this Sutra. We will exert great efforts To spread this Teaching, wherever we are.
I will offer them protection. The Gentle Auspicious devas son also speak the following verses in front of the Tathagata: The wisdom of the Tathagata Is spoken of in this Sutra, As such, anyone who upholds this Sutra Makes offerings to the Tathagata at the same time.
Page 173 of 175

I will uphold this Sutra And expound It to the devas Whoever respects and listen I will encourage them to reach Bodhi.
The bodhisattva Maitreya respectfully holds the palms together and says the following verses: For those who stand firmly In the nature of Bodhi (enlightenment) I will become their uninvited friend; I will even give up my life To protect the king of Sutra. Having listened to this Method I will return to the Tushita heaven And under the sustaining might of the Tathagata Will speak to the devas (about this Sutra).
The great Ca Yip ba the Supreme respectfully holds the palms together and says the following verses: The Tathagata has said That I am weak in wisdom, Thus, I will do as I can And protect this Sutra. I will accept those Who can uphold this Sutra, I will grant them unhindered speech Together with unhindered eloquence, And I will often rejoice, Praising: how benign.
The Venerable Ananda holds the palms together towards the Tathagata and says the following verses: I have directly heard from the Tathagata Countless Sutras Yet I have never listened To the King of Sutra. When I have listened to this Sutra It is hearing from You. (l thn nghe trc Ngi) Whoever loves wisdom I will expound this Sutra for them.
Page 174 of 175
The Sutra of the Golden Light, King of Sutras

At this time, the Tathagata sees that the bodhisattvas, devas and human, together with the whole assembly, (they all) generate the thought of expounding and protecting this king of Sutra, and encourage the bodhisattvas (to keep practicing), and benefit sentient beings. Thus the Tathagata praise: Excellent, you can sincerely expound this king of Sutra so, even when the Tathagata has entered into Nirvana, (you?) vowing to not let this Sutra disappear. This work is the essential and most important factor to attain Unsurpassed Enlightenment, and the merits acquired will last for countless eons. The four types of Disciples of the Tathagata, and other sons or daughter of the lineage, should make offering, respect, copy, spread and explain the meaning of this king of Sutra, the merits that you acquire is as such. Thus, the assembly should diligently practice the encouragement of the Tathagata. At this time, when the assembly has heard the Teaching of the Tathagata, everyone was greatly rejoiced, accept and practice accordingly.
Page 175 of 175

Sutra of Golden Light

Transféré par

Informations du document

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Sutra of Golden Light

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The Golden Light Sutra

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

Chapter 2: The Longevity of the Tathagata

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

Chapter 3: Distinguishing the 3 bodies

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

Chapter 4: The sound from the Golden Drum

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

Capable of eliminating all wickedness

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

Chapter 5 Eliminating obstacles

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

Chapter 6: The Mantra of Purification

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light

The King of Sutras, Sutra of the Golden Light