Chapter 12: Benefits Derived from Seeing and Hearing

SUTRA OF THE PAST VOWS OF EARTH STORE BODHISTSATTVA
A Commentary by the Venerable Master Hsuan Hua

Benefits Derived from Seeing and Hearing

Chapter 12

Commentary:

Benefits are derived from seeing and hearing. Benefits from seeing what? Benefits from hearing what? There are benefits from seeing an image of Earth Store Bodhisattva or the Fundamental Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva Sutra. Even if we do not see these, but just hear the name Earth Store Bodhisattva or Fundamental Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva Sutra, there are benefits. This is the twelfth chapter.

Sutra:

At that time, the World Honored One emitted millions of billions of great rays of light from the crown of his head.

Commentary:

At that time refers to the time when Earth Spirit Firm and Solid and Shakyamuni Buddha were talking. Shakyamuni Buddha told Earth Spirit Firm and Solid to support all future beings. At that time, the World Honored One Shakyamuni Buddha emitted millions of billions of great rays of light from the crown of his head. The top of Shakyamuni Buddha’s head cannot be seen.

Every one of us has a gate at the top of our head. People with a certain level of skill will have their Buddha nature leave from the top of their heads when they enter nirvana. When that occurs, they may go anywhere. However, you must cultivate hard so that you can do this well. If done poorly, then you cannot do it.

Billions and billions of lights the size of hairs are released from the crown of Shakyamuni Buddha’s head. These billions and billions of lights shine upon each other and interpenetrate. For example, yesterday, we talked about how the Sixth Patriarch had a white beam come out of the top of his head when he entered nirvana. This kind of light is not one ray of light but millions of rays of light. This light is not just one color but billions of colors. Lights from the hair between the Buddha’s eyebrows light up all beings in the nine Dharma Realms. The Dharma Realm of the Buddhas: though Buddhas are living beings, they do not belong to any of the nine Dharma Realms.

This kind of light from between the Buddha’s eyebrows not only lights up one world, but billions and billions of worlds. All Buddhalands throughout worlds in the ten directions are lit up with Shakyamuni Buddha’s light. Shakyamuni Buddha releases this type of light from between his eyebrows to tell us that Earth Store Sutra is especially important. We should try our best to explain, scribe, print and circulate the Earth Store Sutra. Do not dismiss the circulation of sutras. If you can print a lot of sutras and circulate sutras then you will uncover your wisdom. Your wisdom will increase. Otherwise, why would people print sutras?

I told two disciples that, perhaps after they amend the lecture notes to the Sixth Patriarch Platform Sutra and the manuscript to the Earth Store Sutra, they can go and print and publish them when they go to Taiwan. Very few English sutras with commentaries are published in the West. Like plants during droughts that require the nourishment of rain, we must print sutras quickly so that most people will understand the Buddhadharma. This is part of propagating the Buddhadharma and something most critical in turning the great Dharma Wheel. Why do I hope to see the English translations of the Earth Store Sutra and the Sixth Patriarch Platform Sutra published in Taiwan? Printing is very inexpensive in Taiwan. You can create merit on this trip and use it as an opportunity to propagate the Buddhadharma. So do not dismiss this.

Sutra:

They were the White Ray, the Great White Ray, the Auspicious Ray, the Great Auspicious Ray, the Jade Ray, the Great Jade Ray, the Purple Ray, the Great Purple Ray, the Blue Ray, the Great Blue Ray, the Azure Ray, the Great Azure Ray, the Red Ray, the Great Red Ray, the Green Ray, the Great Green Ray, the Gold Ray, the Great Gold Ray, the Celebration Cloud Ray, the Great Celebration Cloud Ray, the Thousand-Wheeled Ray, the Great Thousand-Wheeled Ray, the Jeweled Wheel Ray, the Great Jeweled Wheel Ray, the Solar Disc Ray, the Great Solar Disc Ray, the Lunar Disc Ray, the Great Lunar Disc Ray, the Palace Ray, the Great Palace Ray, the Ocean Cloud Ray, and the Great Ocean Cloud Ray.

After emitting such rays of light from the crown of his head, he spoke in subtle and wonderful sounds to the great assembly of gods, dragons, the rest of the eightfold division, humans, non-humans and others. “Listen to me today in the palace of the Trayastrimsha Heaven as I praise Earth Store Bodhisattva, telling of his beneficial deeds, of inconceivable events, of the matter of his transcendence to sagehood, of the circumstances of his certification to the Tenth Ground, and of the situation leading to his becoming irreversible from Anuttarasamyaksambodhi.”

Commentary:

They were the White Ray. White colored rays of light from the hair between the Buddha’s eyebrows. The Buddha releases this kind of light that shatters all darkness. Earth Store Bodhisattva and the Earth Store Sutra can shatter all the darkness in the world. That is why there is the White Ray, the Great White Ray, the Auspicious Ray, the Great Auspicious Ray, the Jade Ray, rays of light like jade, the Great Jade Ray, the Purple Ray, the Great Purple Ray, the Blue Ray, not just small beams of blue light, but also the Great Blue Ray, the Azure Ray, the Great Azure Ray, the Red Ray, the Great Red Ray, the Green Ray, the Great Green Ray, the Gold Ray, the Great Gold Ray, the Celebration Cloud Ray that is an auspicious omen, the Great Celebration Cloud Ray, the Thousand-Wheeled Ray.

There are thousand-spoked wheels at the sole of the Buddha’s feet. These lights contain a reflection of thousand-spoked wheels. The Great Thousand- Wheeled Ray, the Jeweled Wheel Ray made with gems, the Great Jeweled Wheel Ray, the Solar Disc Ray that manifests hundreds and thousands of suns and their sunlight, the Great Solar Disc Ray, the Lunar Disc Ray with moonlight, the Great Lunar Disc Ray, the Palace Ray contains many palaces adorned with the seven jewels, the Great Palace Ray, the Ocean Cloud Ray like rising clouds from the ocean, and the Great Ocean Cloud Ray.

Shakyamuni Buddha, after emitting such rays of light from the crown of his head. . . Yesterday so and so asked what are these rays of light. Rays of light are lights and transformations of lights within these lights. He spoke in subtle and wonderful sounds. The Buddha possesses four kinds of eloquence and eight kinds of sounds. What are the four types of eloquence?

1. The eloquence of unobstructed meaning.

2. The eloquence of unobstructed Dharma.

3. The eloquence of unobstructed phrasing.

4. The eloquence of unobstructed delight in speaking.

1. The eloquence of unobstructed meaning. For example, it seems to be meaningless at first, but after the Buddha explains this Dharma, the meanings explained seem to be infinite.

2. The unobstructed eloquence of Dharma. First there was just one kind of Dharma, but the Buddha can bring out infinite dharmas from one kind of Dharma. Infinite dharmas are then induced into one kind of Dharma. “One source disperses to become myriad differences; but those myriad differences still return to the One.” One thing can turn into myriad things while the myriad dharmas can turn into one. “One is infinite and infinite is one.”

3. The eloquence of unobstructed phrasing. Phrasing in the use of language. Some describe something in a matter of a few lines. The Buddha can explain a certain principle endlessly like the lapping ocean waves.

The eight types of sounds. We talked about the four types of eloquences often but never the eight types of sounds. Although we have never talked about them before, cultivators who worked hard know. The Buddha speaks Dharma with eight types of sounds. First, the Buddha’s sound is the finest sound. You enjoy the sound of the Buddha; the more you hear, the more you enjoy listening to it. Unlike some people who sound like noisy chainsaws. The Buddha’s voice is sonorous and crisp. The second is a gentle voice. The Buddha’s voice is as gentle as water flow. The more you listen, the more you feel that this sound is nice. It sounds even better than music.

Thirdly, this kind of sound is appropriate, just right. This sound is so pleasant that there is nothing more people would like to listen. Fourth, noble and wise. The Buddha’s voice is very noble. No need to listen to his words, just the voice seems to contain infinite wisdom. Fifth, not yin. Some people’s speaking voice are yin. Women, for example, speak in a sugary voice. The Buddha’s voice is not yin. Sixth, it is not facetious. Even when he is telling a joke, the listeners will find it very correct, instead of banter.

Seventh is deep and distant. Listen to the Buddha’s voice; you do not know how deep it is or how faraway you may hear it. Venerable Mahamagalyayana used his spiritual powers to go eastward past infinite number of Buddhalands. He was searching for the Buddha’s voice, trying to find out where the Buddha’s voice could no longer be heard. He went to infinite number of lands and yet the Buddha’s voice seemed to be by his ear still. With his magnificent spiritual powers, you cannot find a place where the Buddha’s voice could not be heard. This is deep and distant.

Eighth, inexhaustible. This voice is unceasing. The Buddha’s speaking voice is consecutive and continuous. The Buddha spoke the Dharma with eight types of voice. Some people will only hear one, two, three, four or five characteristics out of these eight types. Sometimes each person hears one trait. You find the voice deep and distant while someone else find it tender. People are different so they hear different things. These eight kinds of sounds are subtle and wonderful sounds. Remember these eight types of sounds so you can emulate them as you speak the Dharma.

To the great assembly of gods, dragons, the rest of the eightfold division. All those assembled at the Trayastrimsha Heaven. The eightfold division consists of gods, dragons, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, kinnaras, maharagas, garudas. Humans, non-humans and others. “Listen to me today in the palace of the Trayastrimsha Heaven as I praise Earth Store Bodhisattva, telling of his beneficial deeds, of inconceivable events, of the matter of his transcendence to sagehood

. We talked about the causes that lead to sagehood earlier, such as listening to the sutras, meditating and studying the Buddhadharma. Transcend means to take half the time. For instance, you were suppose to meditate for a year before you become enlightened. Ah, it ended up that you became enlightened in two days, really fast. These are the causes for transcendence

Of the circumstances of his certification to the Tenth Ground, the fruition of Bodhisattvas. The Ten Dwellings, Ten Practices and Ten Transferences are called the Three Sets of Worthy Positions. The resulting positions of the ten levels of Bodhisattvas.

They are very happy all the time. They do not ever cry. At this state of Bodhisattvas, they do not cry whether you beat them or scold them. They are happy regardless. They are happy when criticized or scolded. They are happy no matter what. This is the first ground.

Leaving filth is to part with the dharmas of defilement, becoming pure. Because of happiness, they leave behind defilement. When they do, they emit a light.

There is no light where there is defilement. Part with defilement and there is light. What is defilement? Your impure thoughts are all about desire that make yourself greedy for comfort. Desires, especially sexual desire, make them defilements. Before reaching the level of leaving defilement, there is no releasing of light. Once defilement is left behind, there light is emitted.

The Blazing Wisdom Ground produces wisdom. Wisdom is like fire that burns with a bright flame. This wisdom is like flames. Since you are releasing light, you have wisdom. So the fourth is the Ground of Blazing Wisdom.

Nothing can defeat him. His wisdom manifests regardless of who is arguing with him. No spiritual powers or transformations can defeat him. This is the Ground of Difficult to Overcome.

What manifests? All the light of wisdom appears.

Traveling for a long distance, traveling afar.

The eighth is unmoving, the ground of unmovingness. ‘Unmoving in the Bodhimanda and yet transforming living beings throughout the ten directions.” Although he transforms and saves living beings throughout the ten directions, but he remains unmoved. Although not moving, he can teach and transform all beings.

Good at having wisdom.

This kind of Dharma is like clouds.

The above had been explained briefly according to the meaning of the words. But to explain them in detail, there are many more meanings. If we wish to know in detail the Three Worthies and the Ten Sages (the Ten Grounds), we should study the Shurangama Sutra. The Shurangama Sutra explains the Ten Dwellings, Ten Practices, Ten Transferences, and Ten Grounds. They are all are explained clearly. Look at the Shurangama Sutra and you will know in more detail. Certifying to the tenth ground here refers to the matter of Earth Store Bodhisattva certifying to the tenth ground.

And of the situation leading to his becoming irreversible from Anuttarasamyaksambodhi.” Ultimately irreversibility is of many kinds?

1. Irreversible in position. Not withdrawing from the Three Vehicles.

2. Irreversible in practice. Not withdrawing from being ordinary people.

3. Irreversible in thought. Not withdrawing from being Bodhisattvas who always practice the Mahayana Dharma.

These three irreversibilities refer to the Irreversibility of position, practice and thought. These three irreversibilities refer to not retreating from anuttarasamyaksambodhi. Anuttarasamyaksambodhi is Sanskrit, which means unsurpassed, proper, equal and right enlightenment.

The enlightenment of those of the Two Vehicles is different than ordinary people. Although he is enlightened, he has not yet reached proper and equal enlightenment.

What is proper and equal? Proper and equal enlightenment is for the Bodhisattvas. Bodhisattvas are properly equal to Buddhas. Although they are properly equal to Buddhas and they are different than those of the two vehicles, they have not yet attained the unsurpassed.

Only the Buddhas have reached the unsurpassed, proper, equal and right enlightenment. Unsurpassed enlightenment is different than that of the Bodhisattvas. This is why the Buddha’s resultant position is called unsurpassed, proper, equal and right enlightenment. Now although Earth Store King Bodhisattvas has not realized Buddhahood yet, his resultant position is the same as the Buddha. This is why the Buddha described the causes and conditions that led to the Bodhisattva’s unsurpassed, proper, equal and right enlightenment.

After he said that, the Bodhisattva Mahasattva named Contemplator of the World’s Sounds rose from his seat in the assembly, knelt, and with palms together said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, Earth Store Bodhisattva Mahasattva is replete with great compassion and pities beings who are suffering for their offenses. In thousands of billions of worlds he manifests thousands of billions of transformation bodies through the strength of his meritorious virtue and inconceivable awesome spiritual power. I have heard the World Honored One and the numberless Buddhas of the Ten Directions praise Earth Store Bodhisattva in unison, saying that even if all the Buddhas of the past, present, and future were to speak of his meritorious qualities, they could never finish describing them. Upon hearing the World Honored One tell the great assembly that he now wants to praise Earth Store Bodhisattva’s beneficial deeds and so forth, I am beseeching the World Honored One to praise the inconceivable events pertaining to Earth Store Bodhisattva, for the sake of beings of the present and future and to cause the gods, dragons, and the rest of the eightfold division to gaze at him in worship and obtain blessings.”

Commentary:

After he, Shakyamuni Buddha, said that, a Bodhisattava in the Dharma Assembly who is not an average Bodhisattva but a great Bodhisattva, the Bodhisattva Mahasattva named Contemplator of the World’s Sounds. Contemplator is the wisdom that observes, while the world’s sounds are the states contemplated. Due to his compassion and wisdom, he searches out and contemplates the sounds of pain made by beings throughout the worlds of the ten directions.

A Bodhisattva then rose from his seat in the assembly, knelt on his right knee, and with palms together said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, Earth Store Bodhisattva Mahasattva is replete with great compassion and pities beings who are suffering for their offenses. In thousands of billions of worlds he manifests thousands of billions of transformation bodies through the strength of his meritorious virtue and inconceivable awesome spiritual power. I have heard.Guanshiyin Bodhisattva says I hear the World Honored One and the numberless Buddhas of the Ten Directions praise Earth Store Bodhisattva in unison. With different mouths they say the same things in one unified voice. All Buddhas throughout the ten directions praise Earth Store Bodhisattva in unison.

The other layer of meaning here is that Guanshiyin Bodhisattva heard infinite Buddhas throughout the ten directions praise Earth Store Bodhisattva that although they are not of the same time, they say the same things. They all say that Earth Store Bodhisattva has inconceivable wisdom and spiritual powers, saying that even if all the Buddhas of the past, present, and future were to speak of his meritorious qualities. All Buddhas throughout the ten directions and three periods of time speak of Earth Store Bodhisattva’s merit, they could never finish describing them.

As before, upon hearing the World Honored One tell everyone in the great assembly that he now wants to praise Earth Store Bodhisattva’s beneficial deeds for humans and gods and so forth, I am beseeching the World Honored One to praise the inconceivable events pertaining to Earth Store Bodhisattva. Guanshiyin Bodhisattva invites Shakyamuni Buddha to explain the inconceivable merit and wisdom of Earth Store Bodhisattva for the sake of beings of the present and future and to cause the gods, dragons, and the rest of the eightfold division to gaze at him in worship and obtain blessings. To respectfully behold and bow to Buddhas and Bodhisattvas accrues infinite merit. They are really infinite if considered in their finer details.”

Now let us speak briefly about the five kinds of merit for worshipping the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas:

1. With upright and perfect features, people like you and respect you at the mere sight of you.

2. A wonderful voice: crisp and sonorous voice like the bells.

3. Wealthy: Bowing and paying respects to images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas will bring a bounty of valuables and gems in the future.

4. Noble birth: born in a family of higher status. One that is virtuous and respectable.

5. Birth in the heavens. These are the five kinds of merit from bowing to the Buddhas.

The Buddha replied to Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, “You have deep affinities with the Saha world. If gods, dragons, men, women, spirits, ghosts, or any other beings who are suffering for offenses within the Six Paths hear your name, see your image, behold you, or praise you, they will definitely become irreversible on the Unsurpassed Way.

They will always be born among people and gods and there experience wonderful bliss. When the effects of their causes come to fruition, they will encounter Buddhas who will give them predictions. You are now replete with great compassion and pity for beings, including gods, dragons, and the rest of the eightfold division. Listen as I discuss events involving the inconceivable benefits bestowed by Earth Store Bodhisattva. Listen attentively. I will discuss it for you.”

Contemplator of the World’s Sounds said, “So be it, World Honored One, we will be pleased to listen.”

Commentary:

The Buddha replied to Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, “You have deep affinities with the Saha world. Your conditions are especially profound with those in the Saha World of Southern Jambudvipa, this world of suffering that requires patience to bear.

If gods, all the dragons, good men or good women, all the spirits and ghosts, or any other beings who are suffering for offenses within the Six Paths: gods, humans, asuras, hell-beings, hungry ghosts and animals.When they hear your name, Guanshiyin Bodhisattva’s name, see your image made of clay, metal, wood, or stone or drawn on paper. They behold you with a strong attachment, or praise you, they will definitely become irreversible on the Unsurpassed Way. They will always be born among people and gods and there experience wonderful bliss.

When the effects of their causes come to fruition, they will encounter Buddhas who will give them predictions of future Buddhahood. You are now replete with great compassion and pity for all beings, including gods, dragons, and the rest of the eightfold division. Listen as I discuss events involving the inconceivable benefits bestowed upon the humans, gods and beings of the six realms by Earth Store Bodhisattva. Listen attentively and think it over. I will discuss it for you.”

Contemplator of the World’s Sounds said, “So be it, World Honored One . Guanshiyin Bodhisattva says at that time, yes, I agree! Let us have the World Honored One speak for us please. We of this great assembly will be pleased to listen to the inconceivable state of Earth Store Bodhisattva.”

Sutra:

The Buddha told the Bodhisattva Contemplator of the World’s Sounds, “In worlds of the present and future, gods whose heavenly blessings are ending may be manifesting the five signs of decay, indicating that they may be about to fall into the Evil Paths. When those signs appear, if those gods, whether male or female, see Earth Store Bodhisattva’s image or hear his name and gaze at him or bow but once to him, their heavenly blessings will thereby increase. They will experience great happiness and will never have to undergo retributions in the Three Evil Paths. How much more will that be the case for those who, upon seeing and hearing the Bodhisattva, use incense, flowers, clothing, food, drink, jewels, and necklaces as gifts and offerings to him. The meritorious virtue, blessings, and benefits they gain will be limitless and unbounded.

Commentary:

The Buddha told the Bodhisattva Contemplator of the World’s Sounds and all those assembled in the Dharma Assembly, “In worlds of the present and future, gods whose heavenly blessings are ending may be manifesting the five signs of decay. Gods’ blessings are so much more enjoyable in the heavens than in the human realm.

However, gods have five signs of decay. What are they? 1. Their floral crown wilts. When the five signs of decay occur, this crown of flowers falls away. 2. Their clothing becomes dusty. The Gods’ clothing do not need washing. It is always clean. When dust gets on their clothes, they are close to death. 3. Their armpits are sweaty. Gods do not sweat, but when the five signs of decay occur, perspiration comes from their armpits. 4. Their bodies smell. Gods have a nice scent about them. But when their signs of decay appear, they have a stench about them. 5. They do not enjoy sitting still. Gods are always meditating. When they are about to die, they cannot bear to be sitting in meditation anymore. They do not know whether to sit or stand. They stand up then sit down; sit down then stand up. This is about the time that they fall, turning possibly into hungry ghosts, animals, hell-beings, or humans etc. These are the five major signs of decay.

There are also five minor signs of decay. What are they? 1. No delightful voice. Heavenly beings have really beautiful voices. When their five signs of decay appear, their voices become unpleasant and ugly. 2. The light to their bodies dims. Heavenly beings have a light to their bodies; but when one of these minor five signs of decay appear, the light on their bodies is not so light, but dims. 3. Bath water sticks to their bodies. Originally when heavenly beings bathe, their bodies cannot be touched by water; but water drips down like on glass. When the five minor signs of decay appear, bath water sticks to their body. 4. Attached to states. They are attached to whatever states they encounter and cannot give them up. 5. Weak body and rolling eyes. When the five minor signs of decay appear, their bodies are really weak and unhealthy. Heavenly beings rarely have their eyeballs roll about with their eyes open. But when the five minor signs of decay appear, heavenly beings’ eyeballs roll back and forth. These are the five minor signs of decay.

There is another list of seven. This seven includes the five major signs of decay: 1. Light goes out. They do not have any more lights. 2. Wilted floral crown. The garland of flowers on their heads falls away. 3. Change in appearance. Heavenly beings’ appearances are flawless. When signs of decay occur, they go from being good-looking to being bad-looking. 4. Dust alights on their clothing. 5. Sweat from their armpits. 6. Skinnier Bodies. Heavenly beings do not need much nourishment and yet they are not thin. When one of their signs of decay occurs, they are skinny. 7. No delight in being in their seats. They leave their seats. Five minor signs of decay, five major signs of decay and seven signs of decay are signs that occur when heavenly beings use up their heavenly blessings.

Indicating that they may be about to fall into the Evil Paths. When those signs appear, if those gods, whether male or female, see Earth Store Bodhisattva’s image or hear his holy name and gaze at him or bow but once to him, their heavenly blessings will thereby increase. They will experience great happiness and will never have to undergo retributions in the Three Evil Paths. How much more will that be the case for those who, upon seeing and hearing the Bodhisattva, use a variety of incense, an array of flowers, different clothing, various food, drink, and all kinds of jewels, and decorative necklaces made of valuables as gifts and offerings to him, Earth Store Bodhisattva. The meritorious virtue, blessings, and benefits they gain will be limitless and unbounded.

Sutra:

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds, in worlds of the present and future, when beings in the Six Paths are on the verge of death, if they can hear the name of Earth Store Bodhisattva even once, such beings will never have to endure the sufferings of the Three Evil Paths again. How much more will that be the case if the parents and other relatives use the houses, wealth, property, jewels, and clothing of such people who are on the verge of death to commission the carving or painting of images of Earth Store Bodhisattva.”

“If those ailing people have not yet died, their relatives can try to help them see, hear, and understand that their houses, jewels, and so forth have been used to carve or paint images of Earth Store Bodhisattva. If those people’s karmic retributions were such that they were to undergo severe sickness, then with such merit they can quickly be cured and their life spans prolonged. If those people’s retributions send them to the evil destinies at death due to their karma and obstacles, then with such merit they can, when their lives end, be born instead among people or gods and there enjoy extremely wonderful bliss. All their obstacles due to offenses will dissolve.”

Commentary:

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds, in worlds of the present and future, when beings in the Six Paths are on the verge of death, if they can hear the name of Earth Store Bodhisattva even once, such beings will never have to endure the sufferings of the Three Evil Paths again. How much more will that be the case if the parents and other relatives use the houses, wealth, property, jewels, and clothing of such people who are on the verge of death to commission the carving or painting of images of Earth Store Bodhisattva.”

“If those ailing people have not yet died, their relatives can try to help them see, hear, and understand that their houses, jewels, and so forth have been used to carve or paint images of Earth Store Bodhisattva. Patients create merit by building images of Earth Store Bodhisattvaa.

If those people’s karmic retributions were such that they were to undergo severe sickness, entangled by demons of illness and karmic obstructions, then with such merit they can quickly be cured. Create an image of Earth Store Bodhisattva for them and they will recover soon. And their life spans prolonged. If those people’s retributions send them to the evil destinies at death due to their karma and obstacles, then with such merit they can, when their lives end, be born instead among people or gods and there enjoy extremely wonderful bliss. All their obstacles due to offenses will dissolve, vanish.”

Sutra:

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, in the future men or women may lose their fathers, mothers, brothers, or sisters while still infants or as youngsters. As adults, such people may think about those parents and other relatives, not knowing into what paths or worlds or heavens they have been reborn. Suppose that such people are able to sculpt or paint images of Earth Store Bodhisattva, to hear his name or to gaze upon and worship him for one through seven days without retreating.

“Thus, upon hearing his name and seeing his image, they gaze at him in worship and make offerings. If such people’s relatives had fallen into bad paths and were destined to remain there for many eons, those relatives would quickly gain release, be born among people or gods, and experience supremely wonderful bliss.

“That will happen because of the meritorious virtue generated by their sons, daughters, brothers, or sisters who carved or painted images of Earth Store Bodhisattva and then gazed upon and worshipped them. If such people’s relatives have already been born among people or gods on the strength of their own blessings and are already experiencing supremely wonderful bliss, then upon receiving that additional merit, their causes pertaining to sagehood will increase, and they will experience limitless bliss.”

Commentary:

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, says Shakyamuni Buddha, ‘Let me tell you another inconceivable state, Guanshiyin Bodhisattva!’ In the future, kind-hearted men or women may lose their fathers, mothers. Their parents may have died, disappeared or gotten lost. They may have lost their brothers or sisters too while still infants or as youngsters. As adults, such people may think about those parents and other relatives, not knowing into what paths of gods, humans, asuras or hungry ghosts or other worlds or heavens they have been reborn. Suppose that such people are able to sculpt or paint images of Earth Store Bodhisattva using clay, wood, gold, silver, copper, metal or paper.

To hear his name. Even if they do not sculpt or draw images of Earth Store Bodhisattva, but just to hear Earth Store Bodhisattva’s name. Or to gaze upon and worship him for one through seven days without retreating. They do not give up that very first intent to bow to an image of Earth Store Bodhisattva. Thus, upon hearing his name and seeing his image, they gaze at him in worship and make offerings. If such people’s relatives had fallen into bad paths of asuras, hell-beings, hungry ghosts and animals, and were destined to remain there for many eons. According to their offenses, they should be in the hells, the four evil realms for as long a time as an unfathomable number of great eons. Those relatives such as parents, siblings and other deceased individuals, would quickly gain release from their offense karma, be born among people or gods, and experience supremely wonderful bliss.

That will happen because of the meritorious virtue generated by their sons, daughters, brothers, or sisters who carved or painted images of Earth Store Bodhisattva and then gazed upon and worshipped them. If such people’s relatives have already been born among people or gods on the strength of their own blessings and are already experiencing supremely wonderful bliss, then upon receiving that additional merit and blessings, their causes pertaining to sagehood will increase, and they will experience limitless bliss. Supremely wonderful bliss earlier now becomes limitless bliss.”

Sutra:

“If such people are able to behold and worship images of Earth Store Bodhisattva single-mindedly for three weeks, reciting his name a full ten thousand times, the Bodhisattva may then manifest a boundless body and describe to those people the realms into which their relatives have been born. Or in their dreams, the Bodhisattva may manifest great spiritual powers and personally lead them to those worlds to see their relatives.

“If they can further recite the Bodhisattva’s name one thousand times a day every day for one thousand days, the Bodhisattva will order the ghosts and earth spirits in the vicinity of such people to guard and protect them for their entire lives. In this world their clothing and food will be abundant and they will have no suffering from sickness or other causes. No accidents will occur in their households, much less affect them personally. Finally, the Bodhisattva will rub the crowns of their heads and bestow predictions upon them.”

Commentary:

“If such people are able to behold and worship images of Earth Store Bodhisattva single-mindedly for three weeks. The individual who sculpts or draws images of Earth Store Bodhisattva, who gaze upon and worship images of Earth Store Bodhisattva can, for three weeks, instead of the one week before, recite his name a full ten thousand times. The Bodhisattva may then manifest a boundless body that is boundless and omnipresent. He manifests to teach every type of being. But this sutra passage here means that Earth Store Bodhisattva appears an individual during these three weeks and describe to those people the realms into which their parents, relatives and relatives have been born. Or in their dreams…

Since some Buddhists are too confused, the Bodhisattva cannot make contact with us or communicate with us when we are awake and conscious, the Bodhisattva may manifest great spiritual powers and personally lead them to every one of those worlds to see all their relatives. If they can further recite Namo Earth Store Bodhisattva’s name one thousand times a day every day for one thousand days, which is about three years, the Bodhisattva will order the ghosts and earth spirits in the vicinity where such people live to guard and protect them for their entire lives. In this world their clothing and food will be abundant and they will have no suffering from sickness or other causes. No accidents will occur in their households, much less affect them personally.

Finally, the Bodhisattva will definitely come rub the crowns of their heads and bestow predictions upon them. He will say, ‘Good men, your great resolve for Bodhi will bear Bodhi fruits in the future.”

Sutra:

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, in the future, good men or women may want to practice great compassion in rescuing beings, may want to cultivate unsurpassed Bodhi, and may want to leave the Three Realms. Those people may see Earth Store Bodhisattva’s image, hear his name, and in their hearts take refuge with him. They may use incense, flowers, clothing, jewels, food and drink to make offerings while beholding and worshipping him. Such good people’s wishes will quickly be fulfilled and they will never have any further obstructions.

Commentary:

“Moreover, let me tell you in detail. Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, in the worlds of the future, good men or women who cultivate the Five Precepts and the Ten Good Deeds may want to practice great compassion in rescuing beings. Why do they develop great compassion? To save all beings who may want to cultivate unsurpassed Bodhi, and may want to leave the Three Realms of Desire, Form and Formlessness, the houses on fire. Those people may see Earth Store Bodhisattva’s image, hear his name, and in their hearts sincerely take refuge with him. They may use various incense, flowers, clothing, jewels, food and drink to make offerings to Earth Store Bodhisattva while beholding and worshipping him. Such good people’s wishes will quickly be fulfilled and they will never have any further obstructions.

Sutra:

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, in the future, good men and women may want to fulfill millions of billions of vows and to succeed in as many undertakings both in the present and the future. They need only take refuge with, gaze upon, worship, make offerings to, and praise images of Earth Store Bodhisattva. In this way, their vows and goals can all be realized. Moreover, they may hope that Earth Store Bodhisattva, being endowed with great compassion, will always protect them. In dreams the Bodhisattva will rub the crowns of their heads and bestow predictions upon them.

Commentary:

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, in the future, good men and women may want to fulfill, not just one, but millions of billions of vows. Vows are what they want. What do they want? Whatever you want will be granted. And to succeed in as many undertakings both in the present and the future. You will get whatever you want, but there is one thing you need to do, what is that? They need only take refuge with, gaze upon, worship, make offerings to, and praise images of Earth Store Bodhisattva. In this way, their vows and goals can all be realized. They can complete their power of vows. Moreover, they may hope that Earth Store Bodhisattva, being endowed with great compassion, will always protect them. Asleep or in dreams the Bodhisattva will rub the crowns of their heads and bestow predictions upon them.

Sutra:

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, in the future, good men and women may have high regard for the Mahayana sutras and make the inconceivable resolve to read them and to recite them from memory. They may then encounter a bright master who instructs them so that they can become familiar with the texts. But as soon as they learn them, they forget them. They may try for months or years and yet still be unable to read or recite them from memory.

“Because those good men and women have karmic obstructions from past lives that have not yet been dissolved, they are unable to read and memorize sutras of the Great Vehicle. Upon hearing Earth Store Bodhisattva’s name or seeing his image, such people should, with deep respect and honesty, state their situation to the Bodhisattva. In addition, they should use incense, flowers, clothing, food, and drink, and other beloved material objects to make offerings to the Bodhisattva. They should place a bowl of pure water before the Bodhisattva for one day and one night.

“Afterwards, joining their palms together, they should state their request and then, while facing south, prepare to drink the water. As the water is about to enter their mouths, they should be particularly sincere and solemn. After drinking the water, they should abstain from the five pungent plants, wine, meat, improper sexual activity, false speech, and all killing and harming for one to three weeks.

“In dreams, those good men and women may then see Earth Store Bodhisattva manifesting a boundless body and anointing the crowns of their heads with water. When they awaken, they may be endowed with keen intelligence. Upon hearing this sutra but one time, they will eternally remember it and never forget or lose a single sentence or verse.”

Commentary:

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, in the future, good men and women may have high regard for the Mahayana sutras . They consider Mahayana sutras more highly than any valuable. And make the inconceivable resolve to read them and to recite the Mahayana sutras from memory. ‘I swear to become very familiar with this sutra.’ Since they developed such incredible intent and determination, they may then encounter a bright master who instructs them on reading sutras so that they can become familiar with the texts. But as soon as they learn them, they forget them. They may try to study in their every movement or action, for several or many months or one or many years – a long time — and yet still be unable to read, unable to read clearly, or recite them from memory.

They may have it memorized after reading it a few times, then forget again. Because those good men and women have karmic obstructions from past lives. Why do they recite sutras then forget, recite and forget again. It is because these individuals have karmic obstructions from past lives that prevent them from memorizing the sutras. The karmic obstruction makes you lazy and not wish to recite sutras. Karmic obstruction makes you sleepy when you want to read the sutras. Karmic obstruction makes you drowsy when you want to recite the sutras.

Strangely enough, you are full of energy when you do not recite the sutras, but you want to sleep as soon as you recite the sutras. Put down the sutras and your sleep demon runs away. You are no longer sleepy. Start reading again, it is here again. I believe a number of you have this type of experience. You want to listen to the sutras, but instead of listening you want to sleep. If you chitchat and engage in meaningless conversation, then the more you talk the more energetic you get. Saliva flies about as you speak that it is practically raining. You are not sleepy. Karmic obstructions have not yet been dissolved, this is why they are unable to read and memorize sutras of the Great Vehicle. You do not have enough memory to even read or recite.

Upon hearing Earth Store Bodhisattva’s name or seeing his image, such people should not worry or be sad. With deep respect and honesty, their wondrous and bright true mind rather than their false mind, reverently state their situation to the Bodhisattva. They share their opinions and comments. What opinions and comments? They say, ‘Namo Great Vows Earth Store King Bodhisattva! Please be compassionate and help me eliminate this demon of sleep, this demonic obstruction of a poor memory. Make my head clear and memory excellent.’

In addition, they should use a wide variety of incense, flowers, clothing, food, and drink…Drinks here refer not to alcohol but to soup. Do not misunderstand this drink for alcoholic beverages. If you imbibe alcohol, your memory will be even worse. And they use other beloved material objects to make offerings to the Bodhisattva. Why? Do Bodhisattvas play with their beloved object? Do they like toys? For example, balls that children play with may be offered to Earth Store King Bodhisattva. Earth Store King Bodhisattva does not necessarily want to play ball, but he enjoys your offerings of your favorite things.

They should place a bowl of pure water, not dirty water, before the Bodhisattva as an offering for one day and one night. Afterwards, joining their palms together, they should state their request as they sincerely and earnestly contemplate that Earth Store King Bodhisattva bless this water. I believe this is extremely important. And then, while facing south, prepare to drink the water. As the water is about to enter their mouths, they should be particularly sincere and solemn. After drinking the water, they should abstain from the five pungent plants (onions, chives, scallions, garlic and shallots). These spicy things and their like increase people’s drowsiness, stupidity and sexual desire. We must avoid these. Be careful not to use the five pungent plants as well as wine, meat, improper sexual activity. Avoid intercourse and false speech, and all killing and harming for one to three weeks.

In dreams, those good men and women may then see Earth Store Bodhisattva manifesting a boundless body and anointing the crowns of their heads with water like sweet dew. In the 42 Hands and Eyes, there is a Sweet Dew Hand where the Bodhisattva anoints the crown of their heads with this Hand. When the Sweet Dew Hand is extended, you will feel like you are taking a shower. Wash away all the defilements so that there are no more karmic obstacles, so that you are clean. You cannot be lazy and stop cultivating for even one day. Stop for a day and you will have to start all over.

When they awaken, they may be endowed with keen intelligence. Is that not bizarre? Sleep, have a dream, wake up and then they are smart. Is that not wonderful? Do you want to be that way? If you do, try it. Upon hearing this sutra but one time, they will eternally remember it. You used to always forget, but not this time. You cannot forget even if you want to. For example, someone says that he wants to think of a way to stop coming to the Buddhist Lecture Hall, but cannot think of a way. He still wants to come. That is strange. And never forget or lose a single sentence or verse. This is really wonderful beyond words.”

Sutra:

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, in the future there may be people whose food and clothing are insufficient, who find their efforts thwarted, who endure much sickness or misfortune, whose families are not peaceful, whose relatives are scattered, who are accident-prone, or who are often startled in their sleep by dreams. Upon hearing Earth Store Bodhisattva’s name and seeing his image, such people should recite his name a full ten thousand times with extreme sincerity and respect. Those inauspicious circumstances will gradually disappear, and they will find peace and happiness. Their food and clothing will be abundant, and even in their dreams they will be peaceful and happy.

Commentary:

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, in the future there may be people whose food and clothing are insufficient. They have no money to buy new clothes even if they want them. They may be willing to wear used clothing, but that kind of clothing is ragged or cannot be found. They get a good meal one day but only after a number of days do they get their next meal. Who find their efforts thwarted. Whatever they want, they do not get, including food and clothing. Not to mention others things. Things go against their wishes. Who endure much sickness. They may be sick often.

Perhaps they work, do business or think of some way to earn money that is supposed to last a few months, but then they get sick unexpectedly. Their illnesses require money to pay for doctor visits, medicine and hospitalization. Since there was no fund to purchase health insurance, they do not have insurance. Their illness uses up what little money they had. When they recover, their money is used up. Once they recover, they have to find some way to earn more money. When money comes, they get sick again. Why is this? This is karmic obstruction.

Or misfortune. Inauspiciousness that makes everything worse. Whose families are not peaceful. It is not the house but it is the people in the house who are unpeaceful. Whose relatives are scattered. Family members split up and do not get together often. Who are accident-prone. Things hard on the body occur often. For example, if you want to be healthy, you get sick. Or who are often startled in their sleep by dreams. For instance, we were talking about dreams a few days ago about how some dream of assassinations by shooting or near hits by large stones weighing several hundred or several thousand tons rolling down from a mountain and down to the valley where they are. Or they dream about walls next them collapsing and nearly crush them to death. Their whole body breaks out in sweats from their frightening nightmares.

Upon hearing Earth Store Bodhisattva’s name and seeing his image, such people should recite his name a full ten thousand times with extreme sincerity and respect. Those inauspicious circumstances will gradually disappear, and they will find peace and happiness. Their unhappiness turns into joy because they have recited Earth Store Bodhisattva’s name 10,000 times. Their food and clothing will be abundant. They used to be short of clothing and food, but now they have an abundance of clothing and food. They have enough of everything. And even in their dreams they will be peaceful and happy.

Sutra:

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, in the future good men or women may have to enter mountain forests, cross rivers, seas, or other large bodies of water, or take dangerous routes either for the sake of earning their own livelihood, or for public or personal affairs, matters of life and death, or other urgent business. Such people should first recite the name of Earth Store Bodhisattva a full ten thousand times. The ghosts and spirits of the lands they pass through will then guard and protect them in their walking, standing, sitting, and lying down. The peace and happiness of those people will constantly be preserved, so that even if they encounter tigers, wolves, lions, or any other harmful or poisonous creatures, they will not be harmed.”

Commentary:

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, in the future good men or women may have to enter mountain forests, cross rivers, seas, or other large bodies of water, or take dangerous routes where there are wolves, tigers, leopards or bandits, either for the sake of earning their own livelihood, or for public or personal affairs, matters of life and death that require them to send notices to another person, or other urgent business, emergencies. Such people should first recite the name of Earth Store Bodhisattva a full ten thousand times. The ghosts and spirits of the lands they pass through will then guard and protect them in their walking, standing, sitting, and lying down.

The peace and happiness of those people will constantly be preserved. As you head to Taiwan now, do not be afraid. Your flight will be safe. I will guarantee your safety as long as you practice the 42 Hands and Eyes and the name of Earth Store King Bodhisattva. I accept insurance at any price. So that even if they encounter tigers, wolves, lions, the likes of ferocious beasts that eat people. Or any other harmful or poisonous creatures, they will not be harmed.”

Sutra:

The Buddha told Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, “Earth Store Bodhisattva has deep affinities with beings in Jambudvipa. Hundreds of thousands of eons would not be time enough to describe the benefits derived by beings who see this Bodhisattva and hear his name. Therefore, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, you should use your spiritual powers to propagate this sutra, thus enabling beings in the Saha world to enjoy peace and happiness always, throughout hundreds of millions of eons.”

Commentary:

The Buddha told Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, “Earth Store Bodhisattva has this type of cause, this kind of deep affinities with all beings in Jambudvipa. Hundreds of eons, thousands of eons, tens of thousands of eons, and hundreds of thousands of eons would not be time enough to describe in detail the benefits derived by beings who see this Bodhisattva and hear his name. Therefore, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, you should use your spiritual powers to propagate this Earth Store Sutra, thus enabling beings in the Saha world to enjoy peace and happiness always, throughout hundreds of eons, thousands of eons, tens of thousands of eons and hundreds of millions of eons.”

Sutra:

At that time the World-Honored One spoke verses, saying:

Men and women, gods and dragons, near the end 
Of their rewards and doomed to fall into the Evil Paths. 
Can sincerely take refuge with this Great Being, 
Thereby lengthening their lives and dispelling offenses

Commentary:

At that time the World Honored One spoke verses, saying…At that point in time, the World Honored One was afraid that most people did not understand everything clearly, so he repeated what he said in verses.

I observe that Earth Store’s awesome spiritual strength . Shakyamuni Buddha told Guanshiyin Bodhisattva, that I noticed the awesome virtue of Earth Store and the strength of his spiritual powers.

Could not be described in eons numerous as Ganges sands. Even if I were to take as long a time as it takes to count all the grains of sand in the Ganges to describe the power of his might, I could not do it.

Seeing, hearing, beholding and bowing to him even once. Seeing Earth Store Bodhisattva’s image and hearing Earth Store Bodhisattva’s name, by being respectful in a matter of a thought,

benefits people and gods in endless numbers of ways. The respect in one thought will earn them future benefits. They may become born in the heavens or the human realm. They may acquire an infinite number of benefits.

Men and women, gods and dragons, near the end o f their rewards and doomed to fall into the Evil Paths. When their bodies, their retribution proper, disintegrate and their lives come to an end, they should fall into the Three Evil Destinies.

Can sincerely take refuge with this Great Being, Earth Store Bodhisattva;

Thereby lengthening their lives and dispelling offenses. They will live longer and their obstructions vanish.

Sutra: