The Sūtra of Perfect Enlightenment

The Sūtra of Perfect Enlightenment

Chapter 1： Manjusri

I heard it like this: At one time, Buddha entered the meditation of great supernatural bright Buddhahood. The Samadhi is the state that all Buddhas brightly dignifiedly focus on and retain and is the state of all beings‟ pure Enlightenment. (In the Samadhi,) body and mind were extinguished;  everything  was  equally  in  the  Nature  andcompletely filled ten directions of the universe; everything was compliant with the non-dual state and pure lands appeared in this non-dual state.

Buddha was with one hundred thousand great Bodhisattvas.The leaders‟ names are Bodhisattva Manjusri, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, Bodhisattva Universal-eyes, Bodhisattva Vajragarbha, Bodhisattva Maitreya, Bodhisattva Pure-wisdom, Bodhisattva Free-powerful-virtue, Bodhisattva Discern-sound, Bodhisattva Purify-karmas, Bodhisattva Universal-enlightenment, Bodhisattva Com- pleteenlightenment, Bodhisattva Virtuous-chief. They and their companies all entered meditation and focused on thegathering that Buddha equally preached to everyone.

Then, in the multitude, Bodhisattva Manjusri stood up from the seat, worshipped Buddha‟s feet with his head, went around Buddha clockwise three times, knelt down, put his palms together, and said to Buddha, “Merciful Buddha!  For the beings who come to this gathering to seek doctrine, wish Buddha preach the originally pure Way that Buddha practiced before Buddha became a Buddha.  And preach that how a Bodhisattva generate pure mind in large Vehicle and keep away from defective practices.   

The preaching canmake the beings who practice large Vehicle in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish not to have wrong views.” After (Bodhisattva Manjusri) said that, he worshipped Buddha with his head and four extremities touching the ground.  He requested three times repeatedly from the beginning to the end.

At that time, Buddha said to Bodhisattva Manjusri, “Very good! Very good! Good man, you can ask Buddha the Way that Buddha practiced before Buddha became a Buddha for Bodhisattvas and make the beings who practice large Vehicle in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish to correctly focus on the Way and not to have wrong views.   Listen ca refully now.   

I will expound it for you!” At that time, Bodhisattva Manjusri happily accepted Buddha‟s preaching . The multitude also listened quietly.

Good man, Buddhas have a great practicing way named  complete Enlightenment. It generates purity, Reality, Bodhi, Nirvana, and Paramitas and Buddhas teach Bodhisattvas by this way. The way that all Buddhas practice before they become Buddhas is to completely observe this pure Enlightenment, cut off ignorance forever, and then they are able to become Buddhas.

What is ignorance?

Good man, from long long ago to now, all beings have reverse views like that a man who get lost is confused about four directions; they wrongly consider that their bodies are made of Four Elements (earth, water, fire, wind) and their minds are composed by the conditions of six objects (that six sense-organs perceive). It is like ill eyes see that there are flowers in the empty space or that there is the second moon.

Good man, actually, there are not flowers in the empty space, but the man who has ill eyes wrongly attaches to them. Because of the wrong attachment, the man is not only confused about the Nature of the empty space, but also confused about that the flowers actually exist in the empty space.  Because of the wrong view of the existence, people are born and dead repeatedly.  This is named „ignorance.

Good man, the ignorance is not with real form.  It is like a man dreams a dream; everything exists in the dream, but when he wakes up, nothing can be attained.  It is like empty flowers extinguish in the empty space and we cannot say that there is a certain place that the flowers extinguish at. Why?   Because there is not any place that the flowers appear at.  All beings wrongly see appearing and extinguishing in the state that everything does not exist, therefore it is names „being born and dead repeatedly.

Good man, when those who practice complete Enlightenment before they become Buddhas realize the flowers are unreal, they will not be reborn in the cycle of birth-and-death again and they will also have no body and mind to be born and dead; the reason for that is not because of their practicing and is because the Nature (of their body and mind) does not exist originally. Consciousness is like emptiness and the consciousness that perceives emptiness is also as unreal as the empty flowers.   But we cannot say that the consciousness does not exist.  To be beyond existence and non-existence is named pure Enlightenment in compliance with worldly thoughts.

Why?  Because of the Nature of emptiness.  Because the Enlightenment is permanently unmoved.  Because there are not appearing and extinguishing and are not any view in Buddhahood.  Because it is like the Nature of everything that completely fills ten directions of the universe.  This is named the practice before becoming a Buddha. According to this practicing way, Bodhisattvas generate pure mind in large Vehicle.  If the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish practice by this way, then they will not have wrong views.

At that time, Buddha wanted to preach the doctrine again, therefore he said by poem, Bodhisattva Manjusri, you should know, all Buddhas, before they become Buddhas, realize ignorance by the wisdom of Enlightenment.   After they know that the ignorance is like the flowers in empty space, they can avoid being born and dead repeatedly.  It is also like a man dreams a dream; when he wakes up, he attains nothing.  

The Enlightenment is like the empty space; it equals to everything and it is unmoved. When the Enlightenment fills ten directions of the universe, people will become Buddhas. There is not a place that the illusion extinguishes at and the one who becomes a Buddha attains nothing because the Nature is originally complete. Bodhisattvas can generate the wishes of becoming a Buddha by this doctrine and if the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish practice this doctrine, they can avoid having wrong views.

Chapter 2：Samantabhadra

Then, in the multitude, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra stood up from the seat, worshipped Buddha’s feet with his head, went around Buddha clockwise three times, knelt down, put his palms together, and said to Buddha, Merciful Buddha!  For the Bodhisattvas in this gathering and the beings who practice large Vehicle in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish, wish Buddha preach that how a man practice after he heard about this pure state of complete Enlightenment.

Buddha, if there are beings who realize that everything is like illusion, then their bodies and minds are also like illusion, then how can they practice illusory ways by illusory mind?  And if all illusions are extinguished, then there is no mind, then who can practice? Why did Buddha say that practicing is like illusion?  If beings originally do not need to practice, then they are born and dead during illusions and they have never realize that everything is like illusion, then how can they make their mind that is with false thoughts to get relief?  For the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish, wish Buddha preach that by what kind of expedient way they can gradually and orderly practice to keep away from illusions forever? After (Bodhisattva Samantabhadra) said that, he worshipped Buddha with his head and four extremities touching the ground.  He requested three times repeatedly from the beginning to the end.

At that time, Buddha said to Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, Very good! Very good! Good man, for Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish, you asked that how to practice Bodhisattvas Illusion Samadhi and (asked) the expedient way of gradually and orderly practice to make the beings keep away from illusions.  Listen carefully now.  I will expound it for you!  At that time, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra happily accepted Buddha’s preaching. The multitude also listened quietly.

Good man, all illusory things of beings are generated from Buddha’s wonderful completely enlightened mind; they are like that the empty flowers exist from emptiness. Although the illusory flowers are extinguished, the emptiness will not be ruined.  Beings illusory mind will extinguish with illusions and when all illusions are extinguished, the enlightened mind is unmoved.  To explain Enlightenment by illusion is also named illusion.  If there are people who say that Enlightenment exists, then they have not kept away from illusions.  It is the same to say that Enlightenment does not exist.  Therefore, the extinguishment of illusions is named unmoved

Good man, Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish should keep away from all illusory and unreal state.  Because they insist on keeping away from illusory state, therefore they will keep away from illusory mind.  And they will also keep away from keeping away from illusions.  And they will also keep away fromkeeping away from keeping away from illusions.  

Then they will attain that there is nothing can be kept away, and thus they have removed all illusions.  It is like that people friction woods and make fire.  Two woods chafe each other and after the fire comes out, all the woods will be burnt out and the ash and smoke will be extinguished.  To practice illusory ways by illusory mind is also the same.  But when all  illusions  are  extinguished,  the  state  will  not  be everything does not exist.

Good man, after people realize that everything is illusory, they will keep away from illusions at once; they did not need to practice expedient way.  When they keep away from all illusions, they are enlightened and there was not the gradually and orderly practice.  If all Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish practice by this doctrine, then they can keep away from illusions forever.

At that time, Buddha wanted to preach the doctrine again, therefore he said by poem, Bodhisattva Samantabhadra, you should know, all beings illusory ignorance, (which exists) from long long ago to now, is made from Buddhas completely enlightened mind.  It is like empty flowers exist from emptiness.  When the empty flowers are extinguished, the emptiness is still unmoved. Illusions arise from the Nature of Enlightenment; when illusions are extinguished, the Enlightenment is complete because the enlightened mind is unmoved.  Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish should keep away from illusions.  To keep away from all illusions is like that people friction woods and make a fire.  When the woods are burnt out, the fire will be extinguished.  There was not the gradually and orderly practice for Enlightenment. The expedient way was the same.

Chapter 3： Universal-eyes

Then,  in  the  multitude,  Bodhisattva  Universal-eyes stood up from the seat, worshipped Buddha’s feet with his head, went around Buddha clockwise three times, knelt down, put  his  palms  together,  and  said  to  Buddha,  Merciful Buddha! For the Bodhisattvas in this gathering and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish, wish Buddha preach that, in Bodhisattvas gradually and orderly

practice, how should they think?  How should they focus on and practice?  If there are beings who are not enlightened, then what expedient ways the Bodhisattvas should teach to make these beings enlightened?

Buddha, if beings do not have correct expedient ways and correct thoughts, then, after they heard Buddha preach this Samadhi, they will generate confusion in their mind and not be able to attain complete Enlightenment.  Wish Buddha be merciful and expediently preach expedient ways for us and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish. After (Bodhisattva Universal-eyes) said that, he worshipped Buddha with his head and four extremities touching the ground.   He requested three times repeatedly from the beginning to the end.

At  that  time,  Buddha  said  to  Bodhisattva Universal-eyes, Very good! Very good! Good man, for Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish, you asked Buddha that, in the gradual and orderly practice, how should they think, focus on, and practice and even asked the various expedient ways that should be preached expediently.  Listen carefully now.  I will expound it for you!  At that time, Bodhisattva Universal-eyes happily accepted Buddha’s preaching. The multitude also listened quietly.

Good man, if there are new Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish who want to attain Buddha’s pure complete enlightened mind, then they should be mindful to their thoughts and keep away from illusions.  Foremost, they should practice Samatha that Buddha taught, insist to keep precepts, peacefully stay with monks or multitude, quietly sit and meditate in a quiet room, and keep on thinking, Now, my body is made up by Four Elements (earth, water, fire, wind).  The hairs, nails, teeth, skin, flesh, tendons, bones, marrows, brain, skin dirts, and organs are made up by the element earth; the saliva, snivel, pus, blood, lymph, phlegm, tear, sperm, excrement, and pee are made up by the element water; the energy are made up by the element fire; the circulation and movement are made up by the element wind. If the Four Elements separate, then where is my unreal body?

Then, they will realize that their bodies do not exist ultimately; their bodies are the assembly (of Four Elements) and are the same as illusions.  And because the Four Elements get together by conditions, therefore there are six sense-organs falsely.  When the (inside) six sense-organs and the (outside) Four Elements get together and there are conditions accumulating between them falsely, it seems that these conditions really exist; we name it mind expediently.

Good man, if the six objects (that six sense-organs perceive) do not exist, then the illusory mind is not able to exist.  When Four Elements separate, all objects do not exist actually; and when these conditional objects inside our bodies also separate individually, then ultimately, there is not a conditional mind which can be found.

Good man, because these beings illusory bodies extinguish, their illusory minds also extinguish; because their illusory minds extinguish, the illusory objects (that the sense-organs perceive) also extinguish; because these illusory objects extinguish, the illusory extinguishment of illusions also extinguish; when the illusory extinguishment of illusions extinguish, the thing that is not illusory does not extinguish.  It is like that someone cleans a dirty mirror; when defilements are removed, the images will appear.

Good man, you should know, our bodies and minds are illusory defilements. When the concept of defilements extinguish forever, everything in ten directions of the universe will be pure.

Good man, it is like that a pure mani-jewel reflexes five kinds of colors according to the directions we see it and ignorant people think that the colors of the mani-jewel really exist.

Good man, the pure Nature of complete Enlightenment manifests in our bodies and minds according to the various characters of things themselves and ignorant people say that the pure complete Enlightenment really exists and our bodies and minds also exist like that.  Because of the view, beings cannot keep away from illusions.  For this reason, I said that our bodies and minds are illusory defilements.  Those who practice to keep away from illusory defilements are named Bodhisattvas. When the illusory defilements is removed by practice, then the practice to remove defilements and the people who can name the illusory defilements will not exist.

Good man, when Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish prove the state that all illusions extinguish, at that time, they will attain the state that everything in ten directions of the universe is pure and everything in the unlimited empty space is the manifestation of Enlightenment.  Because the Enlightenment is complete and bright, mind is pure.  Because mind is pure, the objects that eyes perceive are pure; because the objects that eyes perceive are pure, eyes are pure; because eyes are pure, the consciousness of seeing is pure; because the consciousness of seeing is pure, the objects that ears perceive are pure; because the objects that ears perceive are pure, ears are pure; because ears are pure, the consciousness of hearing is pure; because the consciousness of hearing is pure, all objects perceived by sense-organs are pure.  Nose, tongue, body, and mind are also like that.

Good man, because the sense-organs are pure, the objects that eyes perceive (editor: sight) are pure; because the objects that eyes perceive are pure, the objects that the ears perceive are pure (editor: sound).  The smell, taste, touch, and idea are also like that.

Good man, because the six objects (that sense-organs perceive) are pure, the element earth is pure; because the element earth is pure, the element water is pure.  The element fire and the element wind are also like that.

Good man, because Four Elements are pure, six sense-organs, the six objects (that sense-organs perceive), the six consciousnesses (made by six sense-organs), and twenty-five kinds of existent beings are pure; because they are pure, Buddhas ten kinds of powers in wisdom, Buddhas four kinds of fearless characters, Buddhas four kinds of non-obstructive wisdoms, Buddhas eighteen kinds of characters that are different from other beings, and the thirty-seven kinds of ways that can help the beings to attain Enlightenment are pure.  Like that, the eighty-four thousand kinds of practicing ways are also pure.

Good man, because the real Nature is pure, (our own) body is pure; because (our own) body is pure, all bodies are pure; because all bodies are pure, all beings in ten directions of the universe are pure like the complete Enlightenment.

Good man, because one world is pure, all worlds are pure; because all worlds are pure, the whole universe, including the past, now, and the future is equal, pure, and unmoving.

Good man, because the whole universe is equal and unmoving, you should know that the Enlightenment is equal and unmoving. Because the Four Elements are equal and unmoving, you should know that the Enlightenment is equal and unmoving.  Like that, because the eighty-four thousand kinds of practicing ways are equal and unmoving, you should know that the Enlightenment is equal and unmoving.

Good man, because the Enlightenment fills everywhere, is pure and unmoving, complete and limitless, you should know that six sense-organs fill the universe.  Because six sense-organs fill the universe, you should know that the six objects (that the six sense-organs perceive) fill the universe.

Because the six objects (that the six sense-organs perceive) fill the universe, you should know that the Four Elements fill the universe.  Like that, even all practicing ways also fill the universe.

Good man, because the wonderful Enlightenment fills the universe, the Nature of six sense-organs and the Nature of the six objects (that sense-organs perceive) do not change and do not mix other things.  Because the Nature of six sense-organs and the Nature of the six objects (that sense-organs perceive) do not change and do not mix other things, like that, the practicing ways do not change and do not mix other things.  It is like that when the light of a hundred or a thousand lamps lights up a room, the light of these lamps will fill the room completely, and the light do not change and do not mix other things.

Good man, because Bodhisattvas have achieved the Enlightenment, you should know, Bodhisattvas are not bonded by ways (dharmas) and do not seek ways to get relief. They do not hate birth-and-death and do not like Nirvana. They do not respect the people who keep precepts, and do not hate the people who violate precepts.  They do not respect the people who have practiced Buddhism for a long time and do not look down upon the people who just begin to practice Buddhism.  Why?  Because everything is Enlightenment. It is like that the eyes perceive the light in front of the eyes themselves; because the Nature of the light is complete, therefore there are not dislike and like.  Why?  Because the Nature of the light is non-dual, and therefore there are not the distinguishments of dislike and like in it.

Good man, the Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish who practice for the (complete Enlightenment) mind and who (finally) attain achievement have never practiced and achieved anything. The complete Enlightenment equally lights up everything and  everything  is  equal  in  Nirvana.    In  complete Enlightenment, one hundred, thousand, million, billion, Asamkhya, undescribable, the number of the sands in Ganges River of Buddhalands are like empty flowers.  They chaotically appear and chaotically extinguish, they approach nothing and keep away from nothing, and there are nothing being bonded and nothing getting relief.  Then, people will know that all beings are Buddhas originally and that birth-and-death and Nirvana are like yesterday‟s dream.

Good man, because they are like yesterday’s dream, you should know, the birth-and-death and Nirvana do not appear and do not extinguish, do not come and do not go.  The state that these beings prove is not attaining anything and losing anything, is not taking anything and abandoning anything.  Those people who can prove the state do not practice intentionally, do not stop all thoughts, do not naturally let anything be, and do not make everything extinguished.  In the state they prove, there is not the one who proves it, and there is not the thing that can be proved. Ultimately, there is no proving and no one who can prove. The Nature of everything is equal and unchangeable.

Good man, the Bodhisattvas who practice like that, practice gradual and orderly ways like that, think like that, focus on and keep like that, practice expedient ways like that, be enlightened like that, and seek ways like that will not be confused.

At that time, Buddha wanted to preach the doctrine again,  therefore  he  said  by  poem,  “Bodhisattva Universal-eyes, you should know, the bodies and minds of all beings are like illusions.  Body is made up by Four Elements and mind is the manifestation of six objects (that six sense-organs perceive).   When Four Elements separate, who can make body and mind get together?  If you gradually practice like that, then everything will be pure, be unmoving, and fill the whole universe; there will not be the practicing of practicing intentionally, stopping thinking, naturally letting anything be, and making everything extinguished and there will not be the one who can prove Enlightenment.  All Buddhalands are like empty flowers; the past, now, and the future are equal, and ultimately, nothing comes and nothing goes.  If the Bodhisattvas who have just generated the mind (of becoming a Buddha) and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish wish to become a Buddha, then they should practice like that.

Chapter 4： Vajragarbha

Then, in the multitude, Bodhisattva Vajragarbha stood up from the seat, worshipped Buddha’s feet with his head, went around Buddha clockwise three times, knelt down, put his palms together, and said to Buddha, “Merciful Buddha! You are good at preaching Bodhisattvas the pure great way of complete Enlightenment that Buddhas practice before they become Buddhas and (preaching Bodhisattvas) the gradual, orderly, and expedient way; you help beings to remove their ignorance.  By Buddha‟s kind teaching, the illusory hazes of the ill eyes of the beings in this gathering become clear and their eyes, which can see wisdom, become pure.

Buddha, if all beings are Buddhas originally, then why is there ignorance?  If all beings have ignorance originally, then, by what cause and condition Buddha said that all beings are Buddhas originally?  If the beings of ten directions are Buddhas originally and afterward the ignorance arises, then when will all Buddhas get annoyance again?

Wish Buddha do not give up the unlimited great kindness, show the hidden secret to Bodhisattvas, and make the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish to hear the sutra which explain the ultimate doctrine and make them to remove doubt and regret forever.”  After (Bodhisattva Vajragarbha) said that, he worshipped Buddha with his head and four extremities touching the ground. He requested three times repeatedly from the beginning to the end.

At that time, Buddha said to Bodhisattva Vajragarbha, Very good!  Very good!  Good man, for Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish, you asked Buddha the profound, secret, and ultimate expedient ways.  These expedient ways are the highest teaching for Bodhisattvas, which fully explains the ultimate doctrine of large Vehicle.  They can make the Bodhisattvas in ten directions and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish get the absolute confidence and remove doubt and regret forever.  Listen carefully now.  I will expound it for you. At that time, Bodhisattva Vajragarbha happily accepted Buddha’s preaching. The multitude also listened quietly.

Good man, in our world, the thoughts of beginning and ending, appearing and extinguishing, earliness and lateness, existence and non-existence, gathering and scattering, start and stop are continuous, go forth and back repeatedly and be taken or be abandoned variously.  They are all (happened) in the cycle of birth-and-death. If people have not gotten out of the cycle of birth-and-death and talk about the complete Enlightenment, then the so-called complete Enlightenment will be changeable like the cycle of birth-and-death; it is impossible to avoid birth-and-death by these thoughts. For example: (When we look at the water) by moving eyes, the calm water seems shaking. It is also like that the unmoving eyes see a circular fire (when the fire goes around). It is the same as that when the clouds are moving, (it seems like that) the moon is also moving and when the boat is moving, (it seems like that) the banks are also moving.

Good man, if we did not stop this movement, then it is impossible to see unmoving things.  Not t o mention that we— by defiled mind, which has not been purified in the cycle of birth- and- death— want to see Buddha’s complete Enlightenment and to see things unmoving.  That is the reason why you generate the three confusing questions.

Good man, for example: The illusory ill eyes wrongly see that there are flowers in the empty space; if the illusory ill is cured, we should not ask that since the illusory ill extinguished, when we will get the illusory ill again. Why? Because the ill and the flowers do not exist against emptiness. It  is like that  when  these  empty flowers  extinguish, we should not ask that when will these empty flowers appear again after they have extinguished in the empty space. Why?  Because there originally are not real flowers in the empty space, therefore there is nothing appeared and extinguished.  Birth-and-death and Nirvana are the same as the appearing and extinguishing.  The wonderful Enlightenment completely shines everything and far away from the (illusory) flowers and ill eyes.

Good man, you should know, the emptiness does not temporarily exist and also does not temporarily non-exist. Not to mention that Buddha‟s complete Enlightenment, which is in compliance with worldly thoughts, is the same as the equal Nature of emptiness.

Good man, it is like that people refine gold minerals. The gold exists not according to refinement and once the gold minerals have become gold, they will not return to be minerals. The Nature of gold will not be ruined after immeasurable time has passed.  You should not say that the gold (in the minerals) is not gold originally.  So does Buddha‟s complete Enlightenment.

Good man, in all Buddhas wonderful complete enlightened mind, there are originally not Enlightenment and Nirvana, and also not becoming Buddha or not becoming Buddha, not to mention that being in the cycle of birth-and-death  or  not  being  in  the  cycle  of birth-and-death.

Good man, in the state that Sravakas attained, although the body, mind, and speech are all extinguished, the Sravakas will not be able to reach the Nirvana that they proved by themselves.  Not to mention that people— by their mind, which is with false thoughts— calculate and guess Buddha‟s complete Enlightenment.  It is like someone want to burn down the Sumeru Mountain by the fire of a firefly‟s light and he will finally fail to set the fire.  If there is someone who give rise to the view of the cycle of birth- and- death by the mind of the cycle of birth- and-death and want to enter Buddha‟s great sea of Nirvan a, he finally will fail. Therefore I said that all Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish should firstly cut off the source of the cycle of birth -and-death, which is there from long long ago to now.

Good man, intentional thoughts arise from the action of our mind.  They are the conditions of six objects (that six-sense organs perceive) and illusory thoughts, not the real Nature of mind, and they are like flowers in empty space. To think by these thoughts and distinguish the state of Buddhas is like that empty flowers cause illusory fruits. These thoughts make you continuously and repeatedly think falsely and there is nothing correct.

Good man, there are many tricky views in our illusory wafted mind.  They cannot make people to achieve complete Enlightenment expediently.  To distinguish things like that will not make correct questions.

At that time, Buddha wanted to preach the doctrine again, therefore he said by poem, Bodhisattva Vajragarbha, you should know, the Nature of Buddha’s Nirvana does not have beginning and end.  If you think it by the mind of the cycle of birth-and-death, then you will go around repeatedly, you can just reach the state in the cycle of birth-and-death, and you cannot enter the sea of Buddha’s Nirvana.  It is like that people refine gold minerals.  The gold exists not according to refinement.  Although the gold minerals originally are gold, they still need to be refined to become gold.  And after they become real gold, they will not return to be minerals.  Birth-and-death and Nirvana, common people and Buddha are all like empty flowers.  Even thoughts are illusory, not to mention other false things.  If you can completely realize mind, then you can seek the complete Enlightenment.

Chapter 5： Maitreya

Then, in the multitude, Bodhisattva Maitreya stood up from the seat, worshipped Buddha’s feet with his head, went around Buddha clockwise three times, knelt down, put his palms together, and said to Buddha, Merciful Buddha! You showed the secret treasure to Bodhisattvas and made the multitude deeply enlightened to the cycle of birth-and-death and realize what are right ways or wrong ways.  You gave the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish fearless eyes to observe doctrines, made these beings be confident about (that they can attain) no-remained Nirvana absolutely, and made these beings not to repeatedly be born and dead in the cycle of birth-and-death and not to give rise to repeated (wrong) views.

Buddha!  If there are Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish who want to travel Buddha’s great sea of Nirvana, then how should they do to cut off the source of the cycle of birth-and-death? How many categories (of beings) are there in the cycle of birth-and-death?  How many kinds of differences are there in practicing Buddha’s Enlightenment?   If  a  Bodhisattva returns to the cycle of birth-and-death, what expedient ways should he preach to make the beings get relief?  Wish Buddha not to give up the great compassion of rescuing beings, make the wisdom eyes of all practicing Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish be clear, make the mirror of their mind shine, and make these people completely be Enlightened to Buddha‟s highest view. After (Bodhisattva Maitreya) said that, he worshipped Buddha with his head and four extremities touching the ground.  He requested three times repeatedly from the beginning to the end.

At that time, Buddha said to Bodhisattva Maitreya, Very good!  Very good!  Good man, for Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish, you ask Buddha the profound, secret, subtle, and wonderful doctrine to make the Bodhisattvas clear their wisdom eyes, make the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish cut off the cycle of birth-and-death forever, and make their mind be enlightened to the Reality and attain the Forbearance of non-existence.  Listen carefully now.  I will expound it for you.  At that time, Bodhisattva Maitreya happily accepted Buddha’s preaching.  The multitude also listened quietly.

Good man, from long long ago to now, because all beings have various kinds of likes and desires, therefore there is the cycle of birth-and-death.  All kinds of beings in the universe—no matter they are born from egg, born from womb, born by moisture, or born by transformation—have life because of sex desire.  You should know like is the source of the cycle of birth-and-death.  Because there are desires making beings to generate like, therefore they can make beings be born and dead repeatedly.  Desires appear because of likes, lives exist because of desires, and beings like their own lives back depend on desires to be the source.

Likes and  desires  are  the  causes  of  the  cycle  of birth-and-death and to like lives is the effect of the cycle of birth-and-death.  Be due to desires, there are the satisfactory states and opposite states and if there are beings who are opposite like, then dislike appears and it (makes beings to) make bad karmas; therefore the beings will be born in hell and hungry spirit Realms.  

If there are beings who realize that desires are dislikable, then they like to practice keeping away from bad karma (made by desires), then they abandon the bad behavior (caused by desires) and like to make the good karmas (caused by keeping away from desires), and then the beings will be born in heaven and human Realms. And because they realize that likes are dislikable, they abandon likes and happiness but oppositely increase their likes (because they like to practice abandoning likes), and then these practices will cause worldly good effects.  All of these behaviors are in the cycle of birth-and-death. They will not make the beings to become saints.  So, if there are beings who want to get relief  from  birth-and-death  and  avoid  the  cycle  of birth-and-death, they should firstly cut off desire and remove like.

Good man, the manifestation of the Bodhisattvas who appear in the world by transformation does not originate from like－they even make beings abandon like－they return to the Realms of birth-and-death by desires.  If the being in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish can abandon all desires, remove dislike and like, cut off the cycle of birth-and-death, and diligently seek the state of Buddha’s complete Enlightenment, then they will be enlightened with their pure and clear mind.

Good man, all beings generate ignorance due to desires, and then there are five kinds of differences (among the beings); there are different levels because of two kinds of obstacles.  What are the two obstacles?  One is the obstacle of realizing, which obscures correct views; the other is  the  obstacle  of  practicing,  which  makes  our birth-and-death continue.

What are the five kinds of differences?

Good man, if beings two kinds of obstacles have not been cut off and extinguished, then the beings are named not become  Buddhas  yet.   If  there  are  beings  who  have abandoned desires forever－have removed the obstacle of practicing but have not cut off the obstacle of realizing yet－ then they can be enlightened to the state of Sravaks or Pratyekabuddhas, but they cannot manifest and focus on the state of Bodhisattvas.

Good man, if there are beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish who want to travel the sea of Buddha’s great complete Enlightenment, then firstly they should generate the wish (of becoming a Buddha) and diligently cut off two kinds of obstacles.  When the two kinds of obstacles are subdued (not extinguished yet), they will be enlightened to the state of Bodhisattvas.  If both the obstacle of practicing and realizing are cut off and extinguished forever, then  they  will  enter  Buddha’s  wonderful  complete Enlightenment and completely attain Bodhi and no-remained Nirvana.

Good man, all beings can prove complete Enlightenment.  When they meet the people who can instruct them to become Buddhas and practice the way that Buddhas practiced before they become Buddhas, at that time, the practice are divided into sudden enlightening and gradual enlightening. If they meet the correct practicing way of Buddha’s highest Enlightenment, no matter what capacities (editor: large Vehicle or small Vehicle) they are, they are able to become Buddhas.  If there are beings who seek for the people who can instruct them Buddhism but they meet the people who have wrong views, then they will not attain the correct Enlightenment; these beings are named in the category of other doctrines.  It is the fault of the instructors who have wrong views, not the fault of these beings.   These are five kinds of differences among beings.

Good man, Bodhisattvas return to the world by the expedient ways of great compassion and in order to enlighten the beings who are not enlightened, they even manifest with various different features, make satisfactory or opposite states, and live together with those beings in order to make the beings become Buddhas; these Bodhisattvas do this by the power of their pure and clear wishes that are generated from long long ago. If there are beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish who generate the thought of seeking progress in attaining the great complete Enlightenment, then they should give rise to Bodhisattvas pure great wish and should say like this,Now, I am in Buddha’s complete Enlightenment and seeking for the people who can instruct the way of Enlightenment, wish I will not meet the instructors who are in the categories of other doctrines or in small Vehicle. And they should practice according to the wish and gradually cut off obstacles.  After the obstacles are extinguished, their wishes will be accomplished and they will enter the pure dharma palace of relieving and prove the wonderful dignified state of great complete Enlightenment.

At that time, Buddha wanted to preach the doctrine again, therefore he said by poem, Bodhisattva Maitreya, you should know, all beings cannot get great relief because of desires;  and  therefore  they  fall  in  the  realms  of birth-and-death. If they can cut off dislike, like, greed, anger, and ignorance, then all of them can become Buddhas

no matter what kind of difference (among their capacities) and then they will extinguish the two kinds of obstacles forever.  If there are people who seek for instructors (to teach them) to attain correct Enlightenment, they should be compliant  with  Bodhisattva’s  wishes  and  depend  on no-remained Nirvana (to be their destination).  All Bodhisattvas in ten directions of the universe manifest in the realms of birth-and-death by their great compassionate wishes.  Those who are practicing now and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish should diligently cut off all kinds of „likes‟ and then they will be able to return to great complete Enlightenment.

Chapter 6：Pure-wisdom

Then, in the multitude, Bodhisattva Pure-wisdom stood up from the seat, worshipped Buddha’s feet with his head, went around Buddha clockwise three times, knelt down, put his palms together, and said to Buddha, Merciful Buddha! You expounded to us the unimaginable things; those are what we have never seen and have never heard. Now, we have received Buddha’s careful and patient teaching, therefore our bodies and minds are satisfied and we attain great benefits. Wish Buddha, for all beings who practice Buddhism, expound again that, in Buddha’s complete Enlightenment, what the differences are among the states that all beings, Bodhisattvas, and Buddha prove and attain?  It can make the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish become compliantly enlightened after hearing the saint doctrine and (make the beings) be able to gradually and orderly  enter  Buddha’s  state.  After  (Bodhisattva Pure-wisdom) said that, he worshipped Buddha with his head and four extremities touching the ground.  He requested three times repeatedly from the beginning to the end.

At that time, Buddha said to Bodhisattva Pure-wisdom, Very good!  Very good!  Good man, for the Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish, you asked the differences of gradual and orderly practice to become a Buddha. Listen carefully now. I will expound it for you! At that time, Bodhisattva Pure-wisdom happily accepted Buddha‟s preaching. The multitude also listened quietly.

Good man, the Nature of complete Enlightenment is not like the nature (that ordinary beings think) and does not exist (like any nature).  It manifests from the natures of all things in the world and therefore the practicing and proving of this complete Enlightenment do not exist.  In Reality, there actually are not Bodhisattvas and beings.

Why?  Because Bodhisattvas and beings are illusions. If all illusions are extinguished, there are not the beings who practice or prove Enlightenment.  It is like that our eyes cannot see our eyes themselves.  The natures of all things are equal, therefore there are no things that can be equal. But beings are confused and have reverse views and they have not removed all illusions yet.  Therefore, the different states appear in the distinguishment of that whether the illusions are extinguished or not extinguished. If there is someone who attains Buddha‟s Nirvana in compliance with worldly thoughts, then he will realize that there is no Nirvana and not anyone who attains Nirvana.

Good man, from long long ago to now, all beings wrongly consider that I exist and attach to the I, they do not understand that all thoughts extinguish just after they appear, therefore they give rise to dislike and like and attach to five kinds of desires.  If they meet the friends who can instruct them to be enlightened to the pure complete Enlightenment and realize the appearing and extinguishing (of thoughts), then they will understand that the appearing (of thoughts) is annoyance.  And if there are people who have cut off annoyance forever and attain the state of that the whole universe is pure, then because of the understanding of pure, the obstacle appears to hinder their practice and they will not feel free and easy in their enlightenment.  This is named ordinary person’s enlightenment.

Good man, all Bodhisattvas are hindered by realizations and views.  Although some of them have cut off the obstacles of realizations, they still attach to the view of enlightenment. Because the obstacle of the view of enlightenment hinders their practice, therefore they will not feel free and easy. This is named the enlightenment of the Bodhisattvas who have not entered Bodhisattva’s ten levels.

Good man, if there are insight and enlightenment, we still call them obstacle.   Therefore, although Bodhisattvas are always in the state of enlightenment but they do not attach to it; both the insight and the person who insights are extinguished at the same time.  It is like that there is someone who cut his own head; because the person is dead, therefore the one who can cut previously does not exist anymore.  So, if there is someone who extinguishes obstacles by hindered mind, then, because all the obstacles have been extinguished (including the hindered mind), the person who extinguishes obstacles does not exist (at the same time).  The teachings of Sutras are like the finger that points the moon.  If people see where the moon is, then they know that the finger which can point is not the moon ultimately. All Buddha’s (doctrines preached by) various speeches for Bodhisattvas are also like that.  This is named the enlightenment of Bodhisattvas who have entered Bodhisattva’s ten levels.

Good man, all obstacles are ultimate Enlightenment; to be mindful and to lose one’s mindfulness are both reliefs of birth-and-death; to achieve Dharma and to fail in practicing Dharma are both named Nirvana; wisdom and ignorance are both prajna  (wisdom); the  Way that  Bodhisattvas and non-Buddhists achieve are both Bodhi; ignorance and Reality are not different states; precepts, meditations, wisdom and lust, anger, ignorance are all pure practicing; beings and Buddhalands are in the same Nature; the hell and the heaven are both pure lands; both those who are with Buddha nature and those who are without Buddha nature will become Buddhas; all annoyances are reliefs of birth-and-death ultimately; suppose someone uses the wisdom of the universe to observe all forms, then all forms are like emptiness; this is named Buddha’s Enlightenment.

Good man, suppose there are Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish who do not give rise to wrong thoughts at any time; they also do not extinguish their illusory minds; when they are in the state of wrong thoughts, they do not aware of it; In the state that they do not aware of, they do not distinguish what the Reality is.  If there are beings who hear this way, who can believe, realize, accept, and practice it, and who are not astonished  and  afraid  about  it,  then  this  is  named Enlightenment in compliance with worldly thoughts.

Good man, you should know, these beings have ever offered to a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, a hundred million, the number of all sands in Ganges River of Buddhas and great Bodhisattvas and (have ever) cultivated many good roots of merit (beside them).  Buddha say that these beings named achieving the wisdom of knowing everything in the universe.

At that time, Buddha wanted to preach the doctrine again, therefore he said by poem, Bodhisattva Pure-wisdom, you should know, in the complete Enlightenment, there are no practicing and the attainment (of Enlightenment) and there are not Bodhisattvas and beings. Only (when someone is) in the state of the distinguishment among being enlightened and not being enlightened, there are the differences among the states of gradual and orderly practice. Beings are hindered by the state of realization. Bodhisattvas have not been apart from the view of Enlightenment. If a Bodhisattva has entered the state of Bodhisattva’s ten levels, then everything is extinguished forever and he will not attach to all forms (and concepts). In the great Enlightenment, everything is complete. This is named to be compliant with everything. If the minds of the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish do not give rise to illusory thoughts, then Buddha will say that these beings are Bodhisattvas in their present lives. They have offered offerings to the Buddhas as many as the sands in Ganges River and their merits have been completed. Although they practice expedient ways, these are all named wisdom in compliance with worldly thoughts.

Chapter 7： Free-powerful-virtue

Then,   in the multitude, Bodhisattva Free-powerful-virtue stood up from the seat, worshipped Buddha’s feet with his head, went around Buddha clockwise three times, knelt down, put his palms together, and said to Buddha, Merciful Buddha!  You expounded these compliant enlightenments to us and made Bodhisattvas minds bright.  By Buddha’s complete voice, we attained great benefits without practicing.

Buddha, for example, there are four gates in a city. People from various directions do not only have one way to enter the city.  And there is not only one expedient way for all Bodhisattvas to dignify Buddhalands and become Buddhas. Wish Buddha preach all gradual and orderly expedient ways to us and preach that how many kinds of practitioner there are and then make the Bodhisattvas in this gathering and the beings who practice large Vehicle in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish to be enlightened soon  and  to  play in  Buddha’s  great  Nirvanic  sea.  After（Bodhisattva Free-powerful-virtue) said that, he worshipped Buddha with his head and four extremities touching the ground.  He requested three times repeatedly from the beginning to the end.

At that time, Buddha said to Bodhisattva Free-powerful-virtue, Very good! Very good! Good man, for Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish, you ask Buddha the expedient ways. Listen carefully now. I will expound it for you. At that time, Bodhisattva Freely-powerful-virtue happily accepted Buddha’s preaching. The multitude also listened quietly.

Good man, the highest wonderful Enlightenment is full of ten directions of the universe.  It generates Buddhas and all things that are equal with the same nature.  About how to practice (to attain it), there is not the second way.  If (we talk) about the expedient ways, there are immeasurable ways. If we completely classify these ways by their different characters, there are three kinds of ways.

Good man, suppose there are Bodhisattvas who have been enlightened to the pure complete Enlightenment; they practice to be calm with the mind of pure Enlightenment; because they have purified their thoughts, they can perceive that the consciousness is flowing and then the wisdom of calmness will arise.  Their bodies and minds, which are like guests, will extinguish forever and they will be able to feel the comfort of calmness inside.  Because of the calmness, the minds of the Buddhas in the worlds of ten directions will appear inside like the reflecting images of a mirror. This expedient way is named samatha.

Good man, suppose there are Bodhisattvas who have been enlightened to the pure complete Enlightenment; with the mind of pure Enlightenment, they perceive that the nature of mind, the sense-organs and the objects (that sense-organs perceive) are all illusions, and then they generate illusions in order to remove illusions and transform illusions to enlighten illusory beings.  Because they generate illusion, they will be able to feel the comfort of great compassion inside. These Bodhisattvas begin to practice from the way and gradually make progresses.  Then, because the one who observes the illusions is not the same as these illusions and because the observer that is not the same as these illusions also is illusion, therefore all the illusions will be able to be kept apart from them forever. This wonderful practice that Bodhisattvas achieve is like a sprout growing from the earth. This expedient way is named samapatti.

Good man, suppose there are Bodhisattvas who have been enlightened to the pure complete Enlightenment; with the mind of pure Enlightenment, they do not practice with illusions or calmness but (practice to) realize that body and mind are obstacles and there is not Enlightenment that can be perceived; they are not compliant with these obstacles; then, they will be able to exceed the states of obstacle and non-obstacle, exceed the world we perceived, and exceed body and mind.  Form (and concept) in our world will be like a bell in a container; the sound can comes out (from the container). Because both annoyances and Nirvana will not become obstacles, therefore, the Bodhisattvas will be able to feel the comfort of extinguishment inside.  The wonderful Enlightenment in compliance worldly thoughts is the state of Nirvana.  It is a state that their and others bodies and minds will not be able to reach and being’s life will be just a imaginary thought.  This expedient way is named dhyana.

Good man, the three ways are the ways to near the complete Enlightenment in compliance with worldly thoughts. The Buddhas of ten directions become Buddhas because of these ways. The various expedient ways of the Bodhisattvas of ten directions － no matter the same or different － are based on the three practicing ways.  If people can completely prove them, then they will attain complete Enlightenment.

Good man, if there are people who practice the way to become a Buddha and teach a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, a hundred million people to achieve Arhat or Pratyekabuddha, then it is not better than that people hear these unhindered complete Enlightenment ways and practice it compliantly at the moment (they heard it).

At that time, Buddha wanted to preach the doctrine again,  therefore  he  said  by  poem,  “Bodhisattva Free-powerful-Virtue, you should know, the highest great enlightened mind originally does not have the second nature. If we talk about the expedience in compliance with worldly thoughts, then the amount of the ways is immeasurable. There are three categories (of practicing ways) in all Buddha’s preaching. The calm samatha is like a mirror reflecting images; the illusory samapatti is like a sprout gradually growing; the extinguished dhyana is like a bell in a container. The three wonderful ways all are the ways for Enlightenment in compliance with worldly thoughts. The Buddhas of ten directions and great Bodhisattvas become Buddhas because of these ways.  To completely prove the three ways is named ultimate Nirvana.

Chapter 8： Discern-sound

Then, in the multitude, Bodhisattva Discern-sound stood up from the seat, worshipped Buddha’s feet with his head, went around Buddha clockwise three times, knelt down, put his palms together, and said to Buddha, Merciful Buddha!  These practicing ways are very rare.  Buddha, about these expedient ways, how many kinds of practicing are there when all Bodhisattvas practice complete Enlightenment?  Wish Buddha expediently preach the doctrine  to  the  multitude  and  the  being  in  the  era  that Buddhism is going to extinguish and make them become enlightened to Reality. After (Bodhisattva Discern-sound) said that, he worshipped Buddha with his head and four extremities touching the ground. He requested three times repeatedly from the beginning to the end.

At that time, Buddha said to Bodhisattva Discern-sound, Very good! Very good! Good man, for the multitude and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish, you ask Buddha the practicing ways. Listen carefully now. I will expound it for you! At that time, Bodhisattva Discern-sound happily accepted Buddha‟s preaching. The multitude also listened quietly.

Good man, according to all Buddhas pure complete Enlightenment, there are not practicing and practitioners. When all Bodhisattvas and the being in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish practice by their illusory behaviors at the time they have not been enlightened yet, there will be twenty-five kinds of pure ways by turns.

If there are Bodhisattvas who only practice to be calm to the extreme; because of the power of calmness, they cut off all annoyances forever and ultimately attain achievement. It is not necessary (for them) to rise up from their cushions and then they are able to enter Nirvana.  These Bodhisattvas are named only practicing samatha

If there are Bodhisattvas who only contemplate that everything is illusion; by the power of Buddhas, they transform various functions of the things in the universe, completely practice Bodhisattva’s pure wonderful practice, and do not lose meditations and the wisdoms of calmness in the practicing way. These Bodhisattvas are named only practicing samapatti.

If there are Bodhisattvas who only practice to extinguish illusions, do not transform the functions (of things), and only practice to cut off all annoyances; when all annoyances are cut off, they will prove Reality. These Bodhisattvas are named only practicing dhyana.

If there are Bodhisattvas who practice for the most calm state firstly, contemplate that everything is illusory by the mind of wisdom generated from calmness, and practice Bodhisattva’s practice (editor: to make beings get relief), then these Bodhisattvas are named „practicing samatha firstly and practicing samapatti lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who prove the nature of the most calm state by the wisdom generated from calmness－ cut  off  all  their  annoyances  and  get  relief  from birth-and-death forever, then these Bodhisattvas are named practicing samatha firstly and practicing dhyana lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who create illusory powers by the wisdom generated from calmness, and transform various things (by these powers) to make beings get relief, and lastly cut off all their annoyances, enter (the state of) Nirvana, then these Bodhisattvas are named practicing samatha firstly, practicing samapatti secondly , and practicing dhyana lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who cut off all their annoyances by the power created from the most calm state and lastly practice Bodhisattva’s pure and wonderful practice to make beings get relief, then these Bodhisattvas are named practicing samatha firstly, practicing dhyana secondly, and practicing samapatti lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who cut off all their annoyances by the power created from the most calm state, lastly make beings get relief and establish (their own) Buddhalands, then these Bodhisattvas are named practicing samatha firstly, practicing samapatti and dhyana together lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who contemplate to transform various things by the power create d from the most calm state, and cut off all their ann oyances, then these Bodhisattvas are named practicing s amatha and samapatti together firstly and practicing dhyana lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who practice to attain Nirvana by the power created from the most calm state, and lastly transform the things in our world by contemplation, then these Bodhisattvas are named practicing samatha and dhyana together firstly, and practicing samapatti lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who are compliant with everything to attain the most calm state by the power created from transforming thoughts, then these Bodhisattvas are named practicing samapatti firstly and practicing samatha lastl.

If there are Bodhisattvas who make various states of obstacles extinguished by the power created from transforming thoughts,  then  these  Bodhisattvas  are named practicing samapatti firstly and practicing dhyana lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who practice Buddha’s business (to make beings get relief) by the power created from transforming thoughts, stably focus on a calm state, and cut off all their annoyances lastly, then these Bodhisattvas are named practicing samapatti firstly, practicing samatha secondly, and practicing dhyana lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who make all obstacles not to function by the power created from transforming thoughts, cut off all their annoyances, and stably focus on the most calm state, then these Bodhisattvas are named  practicing samapatti firstly, practicing dhyana secondly, and practicing samatha lastly. 

If there are Bodhisattvas who practice expedient ways to be compliant with the most calm state and with the extinguishment of obstacles by the power created from transforming  thoughts,  then  these  Bodhisattvas  are  named practicing samapatti firstly, practicing samatha and dhyana together lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who attain the most calm state by the power created from transforming thoughts and cut off all their annoyances lastly, then these Bodhisattvas are named  practicing  samapatti  and  samatha  together  firstly, practicing dhyana lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who attain the state of all obstacles are extinguished by the power created from transforming thoughts and lastly focus on the pure meditation of non-intention, then these Bodhisattvas are named practicing samapatti and dhyana together firstly, practicing samatha lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who get the most calm state by the power created from the extinguishment of all obstacles and focus on pure state, then these Bodhisattvas are named practicing dhyana firstly and practicing samatha lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who contemplate by the power created from the extinguishment of all obstacles and can be compliant with the contemplation of that all obstacles are extinguished in all situations, then these Bodhisattvas are named practicing dhyana firstly and practicing samapatti lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who make the nature of various things stably rest in meditation and transform (these things) lastly by the power created from the extinguishment of  all  obstacles,  then  these  Bodhisattvas  are  named practicing dhyana firstly, practicing samatha secondly, and practicing samapatti lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who contemplate the nature of non-intention, attain pure state, and lastly attain meditation by the power of the extinguishment of all obstacles, then these Bodhisattvas are named practicing dhyana firstly, practicing samapatti secondly, and practicing samatha lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who contemplate that everything is pure, stably focus on meditation, and transform (things) by the power created from the extinguishment of all obstacles, then these Bodhisattvas are named practicing dhyana first, practicing samatha and samapatti together lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who attain the most calm state by the power created from the extinguishment of all obstacles and transform things lastly, then these Bodhisattvas are named practicing dhyana and samatha together firstly, practicing samapatti lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who transform things by the power of the extinguishment of all obstacles, attain the most calm state, and generate the pure and clear wisdom, then these Bodhisattvas are named practicing dhyana and samapatti together firstly, practicing samatha lastly.

If there are Bodhisattvas who mix everything perfectly by the wisdom of complete Enlightenment and not to lose the Enlightenment among all natures and forms, then these Bodhisattvas are named completely practicing three kinds of pure nature－in compliance with worldly thoughts.

Good man, these are Twenty-five turns of Bodhisattvas practice. All Bodhisattvas practice like that. If there are Bodhisattvas or beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish who (wish to) practice by these ways, then they should keep pure practice, calm down, contemplate doctrines, beg (Buddhas) pity and repent (for doing bad behaviors). Through three weeks, they can mark the twenty-five ways individually, sincerely beg (Buddhas) pity, and then randomly pick one knot, (editor: which is marked previously). According to the way that shows in the knot, they will know the sudden way or the gradual way (is appropriate for them) . If they have even one thought of regret or doubt, then they will not be able to achieve.

At that time, Buddha wanted to preach the doctrine again,  therefore  he  said  by  poem,  Bodhisattva Discern-sound,  you  should  know,  all  Bodhisattvas un-hindering pure wisdom is generated by meditation － samatha, samapatti and dhyana.  There are twenty-five ways among the three kinds of sudden or gradual practices. All Buddhas in ten directions of the universe and the past, the future, the present practitioners become Buddhas because of these ways; except those who are enlightened suddenly and who do not practice in compliance with ways. All Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish should often practice these ways diligently (editor: in compliance with what is appropriate for them). Then they will prove Nirvana soon by the power of Buddhas great compassion.

Chapter 9：Purify-karmas

Then, in the multitude, Bodhisattva Purify-karmas stood up from the seat, worshipped Buddha’s feet with his head, went around Buddha clockwise three times, knelt down, put  his  palms  together,  and  said  to  Buddha,  Merciful Buddha! You preached such undescribable doctrines to us, preached the way that all Buddhas practiced before they become Buddhas, make the multitude attain the benefit that they have never attained, and make the multitude see the state that Buddha－the one who has subdue his own mind－ diligently practiced for kalpas as numerous as the sands in Ganges River. It seems like that all these practices can be achieved within one thought. We, the Bodhisattvas, feel very lucky and consoled.

Buddha, if the nature of this Enlightenment is pure originally, then for what reason the nature is polluted and makes all beings confused and cannot be enlightened (to it)?

Wish Buddha expound the Nature of everything for us and make this preaching to be the future eyes of the multitude and (the future eyes of) the being in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish (for their Enlightenment). After (Bodhisattva Purify-karmas) said that, he worshipped Buddha with his head and four extremities touching the ground.  He requested three times repeatedly from the beginning to the end.

At that time, Buddha said to Bodhisattva Purify-karmas, Very good! Very good! Good man, you ask Buddha this expedient way for the multitude and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish.  Listen carefully now.  I will expound it for you! At that time, Bodhisattva Purify-karmas happily accepted Buddha‟s preaching.  The multitude also listened quietly.

Good man, from long long ago to now, all beings wrongly attach to the existence of I others, beings, and lives; they (wrongly) consider that I consists of Four element, therefore the states of like and dislike arise; the beings repeatedly attach to other illusory things by illusory views; these two kinds of illusory things depend on each other and then make illusory karmas appear; because there are illusory karmas, therefore the beings illusively experience the cycle of birth-and-death; and those who dislike the cycle of birth-and-death illusively experience Nirvana; for this reason, the beings are not able to attain the pure Enlightenment. That is not because the Enlightenment refuses beings to be enlightened.  If beings still consider that the attainment of Enlightenment exist, then they will not be able to attain Enlightenment. Therefore, no matter the beings are with thought or without thought, they feel confused and puzzled.

Why?  Because there is ignorance, which originally arise from long long ago, dominating these beings.  All being do not have wisdom-eyes; the nature of bodies and minds in their eyes become the ignorance (editor: to obstruct the beings to be enlightened); it is like that a man cannot give up his own life.  So, you should know, if there are people who like I, then the I will exist in compliance with their like.  If there are (other) people who are not compliant with I, then the dislike arises (and they see Nirvana).  Because both the thoughts of like and dislike will increase (beings) ignorance, therefore if they practice the way by continuous like and dislike, then they will not attain any achievement.

Good man, what is I?  It is the state that beings prove in their minds.  Good man, if there is someone whose body is harmonized and satisfied, he will forget (the existence of) his body; if he stresses or relaxes his four extremities with wrong way, then, when he is curing (his sickness) by the needles (of acupuncture and moxibustion) (editor: and feeling the pain), we will know that the thought of I exists.  Therefore I will arise when there is some state that beings prove in their minds.  Good man, there still is an I even when people think they have proved the state of Buddha or ultimately attained pure Nirvana.

Good man, what is others?  It is the enlightenment in beings minds. Good man, those who think that I am enlightened will not think that the one who can be enlightened is I ; the state that these beings are enlightened to is not I and the enlightenment is also not I.  The (wrong) enlightenment of being beyond all enlightenments is named others.  Good man, there is still an I when people think they are enlightened to the Nirvana; when people’s minds still have the thought of being enlightened, then the doctrine that make them be enlightened exists—this is the thought of others.

Good man, what is beings? It is the situation that beings enlightenment cannot reach in their minds.  Good man, for example: if there is a man say, I am all beings, then we know that the all beings that he said is neither I nor others; why all beings is not I? Because I am all beings therefore I is not the original I; why all beings is not others?  Because I am all beings therefore all beings is not the original I of the man.  Good man, all beings‟ proving and enlightenment are belong to I and others; and when there is any situation that is outside I and others, then there is the thought of beings.

Good man, what is lives?  When being’s mind is pure and clean, he will be enlightened to that the Enlightenment is not available by all thoughts or consciousnesses; and what he is enlightened to is like the origin of lives.

Good man, if our mind insights that all enlightenments are defilements and (realizes that) being enlightened and the one who can be enlightened cannot be separated from defilements, then it is like that hot soup melts down ice and there will not remain any ice to know that the ice is melted. To have the thought of I and the thought of enlightenment are the same as that.

Good man, because the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish do not realize the four point of views (mentioned above), therefore, though they diligently practice the Way for many kalpas, they finally are not able to achieve the states of Saints and that is why this era is named the era that correct Buddhism is going to extinguish.

Why?  Because they (wrongly) consider that there is an I, who can enter Nirvana and (wrongly consider) that there are attainment and Enlightenment (for people) to achieve.  It is like that someone considers a thief to be his own son and his wealth will not achieve any achievement.

Why?  The one who likes I will also likes Nirvana. He considers the like, which contains the concept of I is Nirvana.  The one who dislike I will also dislike birth-and-death,  and  he  do  not  realize  that  like  (and dislike) is the cause of birth-and-death.  The distinguishment to dislike birth-and-death is named not getting relief yet.

How to know that someone does not get relief from (the bond  of)  ways?   Good  man,  those  who  practice  for Enlightenment in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish consider their mind is purified because of their tiny attainment; actually they have not removed the original concept of I.  If there is someone who praise his Way, then he feels happy and wants to make the one to get relief; if there is someone who slander what he attained, then he is angry.  Therefore, we know that the one still firmly attaches to the concept of I and the attachment are hidden in the nature of his consciousness, playing games among his six sense-organs and they have never stopped.

Good man, if a practitioner does not remove the concept of I, then he will not be able to attain the pure Enlightenment.

Good man, if he realize that I does not exist, then there is not anybody who slander the I; if there is still an I who can preach doctrines, that is because he has not removed the concept of I yet.  The concepts of beings and lives are also the same as that.

Good man, the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish consider defective way as correct Way, therefore they are named the pitiable people.  Although they diligently practice, they can only progress in defective way; therefore they are not able to attain the pure Enlightenment.

Good man, because the being in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish do not realize the four concepts and only practice the (expedient) words that Buddha preach and practice the (outward) behaviors of Buddha, finally, they will not attain achievement.  And there are some beings who have not attained achievement and said that they have attained achievement, who have not proved the Way and said that they have proved the Way; they are jealous when they see people who surpass them in practice; because they have not remove the like of I, therefore they are not able to attain the pure Enlightenment.

Good man, the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish wish to achieve the Way but do not seek to be enlightened and only seek to increase their knowledge (of Buddhism); this can just increase the concept of I.  They should diligently subdue their annoyances and generate great courage to attain the states that have not been attained and to remove the annoyances that have not been removed. In any situation, they should not generate greed, anger, like, arrogance, cheating for hiding their own faults, and jealousy. They should extinguish all thoughts of others, I, love, and like. Then, Buddha will say that these people will gradually attain achievement; when they are looking for people to teach them Buddhism, they will not have wrong views.  If they seek any state and generate like or dislike by distinguishment, then they are not able to enter the sea of pure Enlightenment.

At that time, Buddha wanted to preach the doctrine again,  therefore  he  said  by  poem,  Bodhisattva Purify-karmas, you should know, all beings are reborn in the

cycle of birth-and-death from long ago to now, because they attach to the like of I.  The people who have not removed the  four  concepts  are  not  able  to  achieve  Enlightenment.

Like and dislike are generated from their minds; to cheat for hiding their own faults still exists in their thought. Therefore they are confused and unable to enter the city of Enlightenment. If they can go back to the home (of my doctrines)－firstly remove greed, anger, and ignorance, and make the like of ways (editor: dharma) not to exist in their mind－ then they will gradually attain achievement.  The body of I originally does not exist and then where will the thoughts of like and dislike rise?  If the man is looking for good friends (to teach him Buddhism), he will not have wrong views.  If he generates the mind to seek some state, then he will not attain achievement ultimately.

Chapter 10：Universal-enlightenment

Then,  in  the  multitude,  Bodhisattva  Univer- sal-enlightenment stood up from the seat, worshipped Buddha’s feet with his head, went around Buddha clockwise three times, knelt down, put his palms together, and said to Buddha, Merciful Buddha!  Please preach the defections of meditation and make the multitude attain the benefit they had not attained, make their mind be clear, and (make their mind) attain peaceful and stable state.

Buddha, in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish, beings are far away from Buddha gradually, Saints are hidden, and wrong ways flourish.   Who should these beings

seek?  What doctrines should they follow?  What behaviors should they practice?  What defections should they remove? How do they generate the wish to become a Buddha?  These (answers) can make the blind beings not to have  wrong  views.  After  (Bodhisattva  Univer- sal-enlightenment) said that, he worshipped Buddha with his head and four extremities touching the ground.  He requested three times repeatedly from the beginning to the end.

At  that  time,  Buddha  said  to  Bodhisattva Universal-enlightenment, Very good!  Very good!  Good man, you ask Buddha this practicing way.  It can provide the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish the eyes of the Way that makes them fearless and can make thesebeings achieve the saintly path.  Listen carefully now.  I will expound it for you! At that time, Bodhisattva Universal-enlightenment happily accepted Buddha’s preaching.   The multitude also listened quietly.

Good man, the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish who generate great mind in order to seek the people that can teach them Buddhism and who want to practice should seek the people who have correct views; these people‟s minds do not attach to any form (and concept) and they do not attach to the states of Arhat and Pratyekabuddha;  although  they  have  worldly  annoyances, their minds are always pure and clean; although they have some faults, they praise the behavior of keeping precepts; they do not make beings to do things that are against precepts. If beings seek such people, then they will be able to attain the highest perfect Enlightenment.

If the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish meet such people, they should offer offerings (to these people), and be regardless of their own lives. When these people that can teach beings Buddhism are walking, resting, sitting, or lying, they always have pure and clean behaviors, even manifest different kinds of faults (editor: in order to instruct beings); their minds are not arrogant, not to mention wishing to have their money, wives, or families. If there are good men who do not have bad thoughts  towards  these people that can teach them Buddhism, then they will be able to attain Enlightenment, the flowers of their minds will shine and nlight up the Buddhalands in ten directions.

Good man, the wonderful doctrine proved by these people who can teach beings Buddhism should be away from four defections.

What are the four defections?

First, the defection of intentional practice. If there is someone who said like this, I make my mind do various practices and wish to attain the complete Enlightenment－ the nature of complete Enlightenment cannot be attained by intentional practice－therefore Buddha consider that it is a defection.

Second, the defection of naturally letting everything be. If there is someone who said like this, Now, I do not cut off birth-and-death and do not seek Nirvana. I do not have the thoughts of the rising and extinguishing of Nirvana and birth-and-death; I let everything be compliant with its nature and wish to attain complete Enlightenment－the nature of complete Enlightenment does not exist by naturally letting everything be  therefore Buddha consider that it is a defection.

Third, the defection of stopping all thoughts.  If there is someone who said like this, Now, I make my mind stop all thoughts forever, attain the state of that everything’s nature is still and equal, and wish to attain complete Enlightenment the nature of complete Enlightenment does not exist by stopping all thoughts therefore Buddha consider that it is a defection.

Fourth, the defection of extinguishment. If there is someone who said like this, Now, I cut off all annoyances.（I realize that) body and mind do not exist ultimately, not to mention the illusory state made by sense-organs and made by the objects (that sense-organs perceive). Everything is extinguished forever, and I wish to attain complete Enlightenment－ the nature of complete Enlightenment is not the state of extinguishment therefore Buddha consider that it is a defection.

If there is someone who keeps away from the four defections, we know that his mind is pure and clean. To contemplate like this is named correct contemplation. To contemplate by other views is named wrong contemplation.

Good man, if there are beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish who want to practice Buddhism, they should offer their whole lives to the good friends who can teach them Buddhism and should attend the people who can teach them Buddhism.  If these people want to come and get along with them, they should remove their arrogance; if these people leave, they should remove their anger and hatred. (They should consider that) the good or bad situations made by these people are like emptiness and should realize that body and mind are equal ultimately and are the same as the nature of all beings.  If they practice like this, they can enter complete Enlightenment．

Good man, the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish are not able to attain achievement because they still have the seeds that ma ke everything (exist)  － the  concepts  of   I and  others,  like and dislike begun from long long ago therefore they have not gotten relief yet.  If there are people who consider that their enemies are like their own parents without any distinguishment among them, then thus they have removed all defections.  Among all things, I, others, like and  dislike are also like what mentioned above (editor: equal without any difference).

Good man, if the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish want to attain complete Enlightenment, they should generate their mind and say like this, In the space of the whole universe, I will make all beings to enter the ultimate complete Enlightenment; in complete Enlightenment, there is not anyone who attains Enlightenment, not any form (and concept) of I and others, and not any form (and concept) of all things.  If someone can generates mind like that, he will not have wrong views.

At that time, Buddha want to preach the doctrine again, therefore  he  said  by  poem,  Bodhisattva  Univer- sal-enlightenment, you should know, if the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish want to seek the people who can teach them Buddhism, they should seek those who have correct view and whose mind is away from small Vehicle.  The doctrines (of these people) should be without four defections  intentional practice, naturally letting everything go, stopping all thoughts, and extinguishment. If these people come and get along, the beings should not be arrogant; if these people leave, the beings should not hate and be angry.  If the beings see various situations (made by these people), they should think that the situations are rare to see like a Buddha be born in the world; they should not do things that are against precepts and should keep precepts to make their sense-organs pure and clean.  They should make all beings to get relief and ultimately attain the complete Enlightenment. They should not have the distinguishment of I and others and should depend on wisdom.  Then they will be able to exceed wrong views, attain the Enlightenment, and prove no-remained Nirvana.

Chapter 11：Complete-enlightenment

Then, in the multitude,  Bodhisattva  Com- plete-enlightenment stood up from the seat, worshipped Buddha’s feet with his head, went around Buddha clockwise three times, knelt down, put his palms together, and said to Buddha, Merciful Buddha!  You expound various expedient ways of pure Enlightenment to us and make the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish attain great benefits.

Buddha!  Now, we have been enlightened; after Buddha enter Nirvana, for the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish who have not been enlightened, how do they practice (to attain) this pure and clean state of complete Enlightenment in their peaceful and stable lives?   In this complete Enlightenment (way), which is prior among the three kinds of pure insights? Wish compassionate Buddha gives the great benefits to the multitude and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish.  After (Bodhisattva Complete-enlightenment) said that, he worshipped Buddha with his head and four extremities touching the ground. He requested three times repeatedly from the beginning to the end.

At  that  time,  Buddha  said  to  Bodhisattva Complete-enlightenment, Very good!  Very good!  Good man, you ask Buddha these expedient ways to give all beings great benefits.  Listen carefully now.  I will expound it for you! At that time, Bodhisattva Complete-enlightenment happily accepted Buddha’s preaching. The multitude also listened quietly.

Good man, no matter (in the time that) Buddha is still in the world or Buddha has entered Nirvana or Buddhism is going to extinguish, if there are beings who have the character of large Vehicle, believe Buddha‟s secret great completely enlightened mind, and want to practice, and if they are living in temples and peacefully living with disciples, then because they need to do the affairs ( editor: which are not about practice), they should contemplate and observe (doctrines) according to what they can afford like what I have mentioned (in other sutras). If there are not the conditions like those affairs, then they should build a site for practicing and should set up the duration (of practicing)－ long term (practicing) is one hundred and twenty days, middle term (practicing) is one hundred days, short term (practicing) is eighty days and arrange a pure living place.

If Buddha is still in the world, they should think (Buddha)  correctly;  if  Buddha  has  entered  Nirvana,  they should set up (Buddha’s) statue, should contemplate (that Buddha is as bright as) the sun, and generate correct contemplation (of Buddha) like that Buddha is still in the world, and should hang flags and flowers; after three weeks, they should worship the names of the Buddhas in ten directions, beg (Buddhas) pity, and repent (for making bad karma in the past); they will experience good states and their minds will feel peaceful and comfortable; through three weeks, they should always bring the thoughts together.  If these days overlap the beginning of summer—the Summer-rest that lasts for three months, they should maintain (the practice of) pure Bodhisattvas, keep away from (the practice of) Sravaka, and not make disciples or multitude get together.  When the three-month-rest comes, they should said so in front of (the statue of) Buddha, „I, the monk or nun or layman or laywoman someone, am practicing for (attaining) Nirvana in Bodhisattva Vehicle, and focusing on the pure Reality (together with all Bodhisattvas).  I make the great complete Enlightenment to be my temple.  My body and mind is peacefully focus on the wisdom of that everything is equal.  Because there is not any bond in the nature of Nirvana, therefore, now, I respectfully ask not to follow the practice of Sravaka; I will peacefully live with the Buddhas in ten directions and great Bodhisattvas during the three-month-rest; because of the great condition of practicing Bodhisattva’s highest wonderful Enlightenment, therefore I do not make disciples and the multitude get together (for practicing).

Good man, this is named „the peaceful living of Bodhisattvas manifestation. After the three terms (of practicing) (editor: even it is still in the three-month-rest), they can go out (to preach the disciples and multitude) and there is no limitation.

Good man, if there are beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish who practice Bodhisattva’s Way and set up the terms (of practicing), they should not attach to all states  they  attained;  these  states  should  not  be  attached ultimately.

Good man, if there are beings who practice samatha, they should firstly seek the calmest state, do not generate any thought; when the calmness reaches the most extreme state, they will be enlightened; they should spread such calmness from a body to a whole Buddhaland; so does the Enlightenment.  Good man, if the Enlightenment has been spread to a whole Buddhaland, then they will be able to know every being’s every thought in the Buddhaland.   A hundred, a thousand Buddhalands is also the same.  They should not attach to all states they attained; these states should not be attached ultimately.

Good man, if there are beings who practice samapatti, they should firstly contemplate the Buddhas in ten directions and all Bodhisattvas in the Buddhalands of ten directions; (they should) follow the various kinds of ways, practice gradually to attain the samadhi of diligent and hard practice, and generate great vows, then they can gradually affect themselves to achieve the seeds (of becoming a Buddha). They should not attach to all states they attained; these states should not be attached ultimately.

Good man, if there are beings who practice dhyana, they should firstly practice the way of counting (breaths), be aware of the rising, continuing, and ceasing (of breaths), and count (the breaths) separately; (they should) practice like that when they are walking, resting, sitting, and lying; (they should) count separately without any moment that is unaware, and make progress gradually, even they will be able to know a drop of rain in a hundred, a thousand Buddhalands like that they see these things in front of themselves. They should not attach to all states they attained; these states should not be attached ultimately.

This is named the beginning of expedient ways of Three Insights.  If there are beings who extensively practice Three Insights with diligent practicing, then it is named Buddha appears in the world.  If the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish who are dull about Buddhism want to practice the Way but not able to attain achievement because of the obstructive karmas, then they should diligently repent, constantly generate the wish (of practice), firstly cut off like and dislike, jealousy, cheating for hiding their own faults, and the wish to win in competition, and then randomly choose one way in Three Insights.  If they cannot achieve by this way, then practice another way.  Their mind should not give up and let go, and should prove the doctrines gradually and orderly.

At that time, Buddha wanted to preach the doctrine again, therefore he said by poem, Bodhisattva Complete-enlightenment, you should know, all the beings who want to practice the highest Way should firstly set up the duration (of practicing) and repent (making) the karma made from long long ago to now for three weeks, then contemplate doctrines correctly; they should not attach to all states they attained; these states should not be attached ultimately. Samatha is (to make their mind) the calmest; samapatti is to correctly contemplate; dhyana is to count (their own breaths) clearly; these are named Three pure Insights.  If there are beings who can diligently practice (Three Insights), it is named Buddha appears in the world. Those who are dull in Buddhism and not able to attain achievement should diligently repent of all the sins made from long long ago to now.  If all obstacles are removed, the state of Buddha will appear.

Chapter 12：Virtuous-chief

Then, in the multitude, Bodhisattva Virtuous – chief stood up from the seat, worshipped Buddha’s feet with his head, went around Buddha clockwise three times, knelt down, put his palms together, and said to Buddha, Merciful Buddha!  For us and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish, you expound Buddha’s unimaginable state.

Buddha, what is the name of this large Vehicle doctrine? How do we accept and practice it? What merit can beings attain if they practice it? How do we who protect and retain this sutra spread this doctrine? And what state can we attain (by the doctrine)? After (Bodhisattva Virtuous-chief) said that, he worshipped Buddha with his head and four extremities touching the ground.  He request three times repeatedly from the beginning to the end.

At that time, Buddha said to Bodhisattva Virtuous-chief, Very good!Very good! Good man, for Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish, you ask the merit and name of this sutra. Listen carefully now. I will expound it for you! At that time, Bodhisattva Virtuous-chief happily accepted Buddha’s preaching. The multitude also listened quietly.

Good man, this sutra is also preached by a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, a hundred million, the number of all the sands in Ganges River of Buddhas.  It is protected by the past, present, and future Buddhas. It is what the Bodhisattvas in ten directions depend on.  It is the pure eyes of twelve kinds of sutras (preached by Buddha).  This sutra is named The Great Broad Extensive Complete Enlightenment Dharani, also named Sutra of ultimate doctrine, also named the samadhi of Secret king, also named the Absolute State of Buddha, also named The difference of the nature of Buddhahood; you should respectfully accept and practice it.

Good man, this sutra manifests the state of Buddha and only Buddhas can preach it thoroughly. If there are Bodhisattvas and the beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish who can practice by this sutra, then they can gradually make progress and attain the state of Buddha.

Good man, this sutra is a doctrine for sudden enlightenment in large Vehicle. The beings who can be enlightened suddenly will be enlightened (after they heard this sutra).  It also guides all beings who are enlightened by gradual practice.  It is like the ocean, which will never refuse (the water of) small rivers; even the mosquitoes and Asuras, whoever drink the water (of this doctrine) will be moisturized.

Good man, If there are people who give by pure seven-jewels that are full of a Buddhaland, it is not better than that there are people who hear the name of this sutra and one sentence of this doctrine.

Good man, if there are people who make a hundred, a thousand, the number of all sands in Ganges River of beings to attain Arhat, it is not better than that there are people who expound this sutra and even explain half poem (in the sutra).

Good man, if there are people who hear the name of this sutra and have confidence about it without any doubt, then, you should know, these people have not only accumulated bliss and wisdom beside one or two Buddha, but also accumulated good roots of merit beside the number of all sands in Ganges River of Buddhas and listened the doctrine of this sutra.

You, the good man, should protect these practitioners in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish.  Do not let devils and the people of other doctrines disturb their bodies and minds and make these practitioners quit or surrender practicing.

At that time, in the gathering, Vajra-god Ucchusma, Vajra-god Destruction, Vajra-god Nilavajra, and eighty thousand Vajra-gods and their relatives (and companies) stood up from the seats, worshipped Buddha‟s feet with their heads, went around Buddha clockwise three times, and said to Buddha, Buddha, if there are beings in the era that Buddhism is going to extinguish who can practice this absolute doctrine in large Vehicle, then I will protect them like that I protect my eyes.  Even in the sites they practice at, we, the Vajra-gods, will lead our disciples to protect them day and night and make them not to regress (in practicing). Even in their homes, there will never be any disasters, all diseases will extinguish, their money and wealth will be abundant, and they will not lack anything.

At that time, the king of the great Brahman-heaven, the king of twenty-eight heavens, the king of Sumeru Mountain, and the Protecting-world king stood up from the seats, worshipped Buddha’s feet with their heads, went around Buddha clockwise three times, and said to Buddha, “Buddha, we will also protect the beings who practice this sutra, make them usually feel peaceful and safe, and make their mind not to regress (in practicing).

At that time, the ghost king Great-strength, who are named Kumbhanda and a hundred thousand ghost kings stood up from the seats, worshipped Buddha’s feet with their heads, went around Buddha clockwise three times, and said to Buddha, Buddha, we will also protect the beings who practice this sutra, guard them day and night, make them not to regress or surrender practicing.  Inside the places that are one yojana to where they are living, if there are ghosts or gods who invade the places, then I will make these ghosts or gods be broken like atoms.

After Buddha preach this sutra, all Bodhisattvas, Eight divisions of gods and dragons and their relatives (and companies), heavenly kings, the king of the Brahma-Heaven and the multitude who heard what Buddha preach felt very happy and believed, accepted, respectfully practice this sutra.