Chapter 12: Heavenly Kings Protecting the Kingdoms
At this time, the Tathagata having heard the four
great Heavenly kings respectfully make offering to the Sutra of the Golden
Light, and promising protect those who uphold this Sutra, (the Tathagata)
praises how benign, the 4 great Heavenly kings, you have respectfully given
offerings to countless Tathagatas in the past, sowing roots of virtues,
practicing according to the Dharma, speak according to the Dharma and use the
Dharma to serve the world. Towards the sentient beings, you often think of ways
to benefit them, generating the thought of great compassion and vowing to bring
happiness to them. Thanks to these acts, you will enjoy great results. If there
is any king who respectfully gives offering to the Sutra of the Golden Light,
you should diligently support (him and his citizens), helping them rest
peacefully. If the 4 great Heavenly kings and countless Yaksa retinues support
and protect this Sutra, it is the same as offering protection and support to
the righteous Dharma of the Tathagatas in the past, present and future, as
such, you and the devas, Yaksas often triumph over the Asura. If you uphold
this Sutra, thanks to the power and might of this Sutra, all sufferings, enemies,
hunger, thirst and sickness will be eliminated. As such, if you see anyone
among the 4 kinds of Disciples of the Tathagata uphold this Sutra, you should
together support them, eliminating all harms and bringing joy to them.
The Four Heavenly Kings, at this time, from their seat
stands up, let bare the right shoulder, kneel down the right knee, hold the
palms together respectfully and say, Blessed One, in the future time, in any
country, town, village, forest, countryside, wherever this Sutra of the Golden
light is circulated, the king at that place should whole-heartedly listen,
praise, give offering and serve those among the 4 kinds of Disciples who uphold
this Sutra, helping them stay away from suffering and sorrow. Because of this
reason, we will support that king, and his citizens, everyone will dwell in
peace, leaving all worries and sorrow, their lifespan will increase, merits and
virtues will be complete and whole. Blessed One, if that king sees anyone among
the 4 kinds of Disciples who uphold this Sutra, and respectfully protecting
them just as if they were his own parents, giving them all they need, then we
the 4 Heavenly kings will often protect that king, so that everyone will
respect that king. We and countless Yaksa gods will hide ourselves to protect
this Sutra, wherever this Sutra is, not obstructing It in any way. We will also
protect those who listen to this Sutra, and the king as well, so that all their
sufferings will be eliminated, and we will bring joy to them; enemies from
foreign countries will also be repulsed. As such, when the king of any country
listens to this Sutra, and the foreign forces want to invade his land, Blessed
One, thanks to the might of this Sutra, we and countless Yaksa retinues will
hide ourselves and support that country, so that the foreign forces will resign
on their own, not daring to cross over the borders, no need to speak of using
weapons to fight.
The Blessed One say to the 4 Heavenly Kings,
well-said, it is very good that you can give such protection and support to
this Sutra. Countless eons ago, the Tathagata cultivated all kinds of difficult
ascetic practices, having attained the Unsurpassed Enlightenment, and the
Buddha’s wisdom, as such, I can speak of this Sutra today. If there is any king
who can uphold this Sutra, respectfully giving offering, the power of this
Sutra will make that king become free from all harms, attaining bliss, and all
the lands of that king will be free from foreign threats. The power of this
Sutra can also make all kings in the Jambudvipa world be free from harms and
wars. You should also know that there are 84000 countries and kings in the
great Jambudvipa world system, all kings will be joyful, free, having abundant
wealth, enjoying great bliss, and not waging wars against one another. Each one
will enjoy one’s good results (ripening of virtuous actions) depending on the
deeds one did in the previous lives, no one will think evil, or desirous of
invading other nations. Everyone will reduce their greed, wanting to benefit
others, not creating the burden and suffering caused by wars. The citizens of
these kings will also love one another; the rich and poor will live in harmony,
merging with one another like milk and water; they will respect one another,
living in joice and serenity, virtuous and humble, cultivating the roots of
virtue. As a result, the great Jambudvipa world will become peaceful, populous,
rich, having fertile lands, heat and cold are well-regulated, the weather will
be appropriate, the moon, the sun and various other planets will run their
normal courses, rains will arrive in time, there will be no natural disasters,
having abundant wealth, generous tendency, often practicing offering with
wisdom, sufficient with the 10 virtuous deeds, and when they die, most of them
are reborn to the deva’s world, the population of devas increases. 4 Great
Heavenly Kings, in future lives, if there is any king who listens to this
Sutra, respectfully gives offering and upholds this Sutra, that king will be
honored among the 4 types of Disciples of the Tathagata, it will also bring
benefits to you and your retinues, the countless Yaksas. As such, the kings
should listen to this King of Sutra. The water of the Righteous Dharma with the
taste of the sweet dews of immortality will increase your strength and gait,
benefitting both your mind and body, so that you will be fortified and steady
in exerting efforts, sufficient with all merits, virtues and solemnity. If
these great kings whole-heartedly listen to this Sutra, they are at the same
time giving rare and great offerings to Me, the Sakyamuni Tathagata. Giving
offering to the Tathagata is the same as giving offerings to countless
Tathagatas in the past, present and future. If one offers to the Tathagatas in
the 3 times, one attain the inconceivable mass of merits. For such reasons, you
should protect the kings and their retinues, ministers in the palace, so that
everyone will be free from harms, attaining bliss and inconceivable roots of
virtues. The citizens of that kingdom will also enjoy all kinds of the 5
pleasures, all wickedness will be dispelled.
The 4 Heavenly Kings say, Blessed One, in future time,
if there is any king who likes to listen to this Sutra of the Golden Light to
(pray for and) bring about great bliss to one’s self and the retinues, to
ensure great stability in the throne, achieving the infinite mass of merits,
making the citizens and the kingdom free from foreign threat, free from sorrow,
from disasters, then Blessed One, that king should not be reckless, his mind
should not wander; he should respectfully and sincerely wish to listen to this
Supreme king of Sutras. To do this, the king should first arrange a palace,
choosing the one that is easiest to see, the one that he cherishes the most, by
spraying perfumes on the ground, scattering many renowned types of flowers,
arranging the most beautiful Lion altar, covered with precious gemstones and
pearls, with a canopy and banners on top, then burn precious and expensive
incense, play many pleasing songs. The king himself should bathe cleanly and
apply perfume on his body, wearing new clothes and many strings of pearls,
seated on a smaller altar, not self-conceited, leaving the high altar, leaving
pride, in order to listen to this King of Sutra with mindfulness and sincerity.
Towards the priest that arrives, the king should think (of the priest) as the
great master; the king should have the heart of compassion towards his
relatives, looking at one another happily, peaceful mien, speaking kind and
gentle words, the king himself is flooded with a pure great joy, thinking to
himself, now that I have acquired a great benefit from offering great respect
towards to King of Sutras. The King having prepared thus, when in front of the
priest, shows great respect, desirous (of hearing the Dharma), and great
admiration.
The Blessed One speaks to the 4 great Heavenly Kings-
that king should not be reluctant to lead the way for the priest. That King
should wear clean clothes, himself adorned with many strings of pearls and
gems, and hold a white canopy with perfumes, with many musical instruments by
the side, and walk out of the palace to solemnly welcome the priest, exerting
his mental faculty to respectfully do the work of wishing auspiciousness. 4
Heavenly Kings, why should the king himself do such respectful offerings? The
reason is that every time the king lifts his foot up, places his foot down, in
every single step he has been making offerings to countless Tathagatas, having
crossed over that much suffering caused by samsara, having in future time
attained the position of Wheel turning kings for (such) that many times.
Moreover, depending on each step, his virtues and merits will grow in the
present, he will enjoy a stable reign, achieving inconceivably many virtuous
results, and he will be respected by the people; in the future time, he will be
born in palaces made of the 7 precious substances in the world of human and
devas for countless eons, wherever he is born, he will live as a king, having a
long lifespan, and great eloquence, earning trust and respect from the devas,
fearless, having great reputation, admired by all, enjoying great bliss in the
human and deva world, attaining great strength, great power and virtues,
magnificent body forms, supremely solemn, able to meet the Teacher of human and
devas, seeing virtuous friends, accomplishing the infinite mass of merits. The
4 great Heavenly kings should know, since that king is able to see such
benefits, he should himself come to lead and welcome the priest, from 1 yojina
to hundreds of thousand yojinas. He should think of that priest as the
Tathagata. Having arrived at the palace, he thinks- it is just the Tathagata
who has been welcomed to my palace, who has received my gifts of offering, who
speaks to me about the miraculous Dharma. Furthermore, when I have heard the
Dharma, I will never turn away from Unsurpassed Enlightenment; I will be able
to see countless Tathagatas. Today I have played great musical instruments, and
used many kinds of supreme gifts to offer to the Tathagatas in the three times.
Today, I have forever uprooted the cause of misery in the Yama realms, I have
sown the seeds of virtues of Brahma kings, Indra, Wheel Turning king. Today, I
will help countless sentient beings escape from samsara and reach Nirvana,
accumulating inconceivable mass of merits; I will make my relatives and
citizens live in peace, and my kingdom will be free from all harms, foreign
forces and enemies will be unable to disturb and invade, staying away from all
sorrow and suffering. 4 Great Heavenly kings, that king should be that
respectful towards the miraculous Dharma, also gives offering, respect and
praise towards the 4 kinds of Disciples of the Tathagata. Afterwards, he should
take the supreme merits acquired from this virtuous deed to dedicate to you,
and your retinues. If he can do so, he will have a great mass of merits as the
cause, and as a result, he will enjoy great freedom, strengthen his authority;
all auspiciousness and good forms will be brought to completion; towards all
kinds of enemies, he is able to use the Dharma to subdue them.
At this time, the 4 great Heavenly Kings say, Blessed
One, if any king wishes to pay homage to the miraculous Dharma, wishes to
listen to this king of Sutra, and respectfully makes offering to the 4 kinds of
Disciples who uphold this king of Sutra, and wanting to bring us joy, that king
should arrange chairs and tables near the Dharma altar, spray perfumes and
scatter flowers for us. We will listen to the Dharma together with the king. If
the king acquires some roots of virtues, he will take a part of the merits of
that root of virtues to dedicate to us. Blessed One, when the king requests the
priest to step on the Dharma altar, he will at the same time burn various kinds
of precious incense for us to offer to this king of Sutra, Blessed One, the
smoke from that incense, in just an instant, gathers in the air, travels to our
palace and becomes a canopy in space. We devas will notice the good scent of
the incense, and see that the smoke has a golden light, illuminating brightly
our palaces, shining to the palaces of the Brahma, Indra, Great Heavenly
Eloquence, Great Heavenly Auspiciousness, Earth God, Great General of Knowledge
and Correct Understanding, the devas of the 28 kinds of Yaksas, Great Heavenly
Freedom, Vajra Lord, Great General Treasure Benign, the Demon mother Haridi and
500 demon sons, the Naga king of the lake called Not having heat of defilement,
the Naga kings of the Ocean. Blessed One, such devas and gods, in their
individual palaces, will see that smoke in an instant become a great canopy,
noticing the pleasing scent of the smoke, and seeing the light of that incense
smoke arrive at all palaces of the devas and gods.
The Blessed One says to the 4 Great Heavenly Kings,
that smoke, together with the sweet scent and light, not only flies to, and
becomes a smoke cloud and canopy, projecting great light to the palaces (that
you can see). The incense that the king himself burns in the incense pot to
offer to this king of Sutra, in an instant, flies towards the great heavenly
worlds together with their hundreds of countless suns and moons, hundreds of
countless mount Sumeru, hundreds of countless 4 continents. In the palaces of
all 8 kinds of beings in the great Heavenly world, that incense smoke fills up
the whole space, becoming clouds of smokes and canopies, the golden light of
this canopy illuminates the palace of the devas and gods. All these canopies
and smoke cloud in the great Heavenly worlds are all thanks to the might and
power of the king of Sutra the Golden Light. However, the incense that the king
himself burns in the incense pot to offer to this king of Sutra not only
travels to the great Heavenly worlds, but it also, in an instant, travels to
countless Buddha field. Above the Tathagatas, in space, the incense smoke also
gathers to form clouds and canopies, illuminating light with the golden color.
All Tathagatas notice the scent of that miraculous incense cloud, able to see
the incense cloud and canopies with the golden light that appears in front of
countless Tathagatas, the Tathagatas will observe and with different voices,
all praise the priest, how benign, great person, you have the capability to
circulate this miraculous Dharma! As such, you have achieved the inconceivable
mass of merits. Whoever listens to you speak the Dharma will acquire
innumerable mass of merits, no need to speak of those who copy, accept, keep in
mind, analyze, recite to memory, speak to others, practice according to what is
taught in the Sutra. Why is that so, it is because, child of the lineage,
whoever listens to this Sutra of the Golden Light will never turn away from
Unsurpassed Enlightenment. The Tathagatas in countless Buddha field will sit on
the Dharma altar, with different voices yet the same speech, praise the priest,
how benign, child of the lineage, in future lives, thanks to the power of
exertion of effort, you will cultivate and engage in countless arduous
activities, sufficient with the two kinds of wisdom and merits, surpassing the
benign Saints, surpassing the 3 realms, becoming the supreme and Unsurpassed,
you will sit under the Bodhi tree solemnly, capable of helping sentient beings
who are related to you in the great heavenly worlds, skillfully subduing the
fearsome armies of Mara, achieving the wisdom and knowledge of all methods,
supreme methods, pure, profound, unsurpassed and correct, in all places. Child
of the lineage, you will sit on the Vajra altar, revolving the supreme wheel of
Dharma, you will be praised by the Tathagatas, sufficient with 12 miraculous
forms of practice, extremely profound. You sound the great Dharma drum, blow
the miraculous Dharma conch, hang the high banners of Dharma, light the bright
torch of Dharma, let down the rain of the sweet Dharma, severing away countless
knots of defilements, helping countless sentient beings cross over to the
shoreless and fearsome sea, terminating endless cyclic existence of
birth-death, and able to meet countless Tathagatas
The 4 Heavenly kings say, Blessed One, this Sutra of
the Golden Light, in the present and future time, can accomplish such numerous
merits. As such, any king who is able to listen to this miraculous Dharma has
already cultivated roots of virtues in countless Tathagatas. We will also
support that king. Also, because of seeing countless benefits, we the four
heavenly kings, together with countless gods and retinues, after having seen
the incense smoke appear as canopies in our palace, will hide ourselves and
arrive at the Dharma preaching place, which is the best palace among the king’s
palace. The Brahma, Indra, Great Heavenly Eloquence, Great Heavenly
Auspiciousness, Earth God, Great General of Knowledge and Correct
Understanding, the devas of the 28 kinds of Yaksas, Great Heavenly Freedom,
Vajra Lord, Great General Treasure Benign, the Demon mother Haridi and 500
demon sons, the Naga king of the lake called Not having heat of defilement, the
Naga kings of the Ocean, countless devas and yaksas will hide themselves at the
place of the Dharma altar- also the best palace of the king, in order to listen
to the Dharma. Blessed One, we the 4 great Heavenly Kings together with our
Yaksa retinues, will become virtuous friends for the king. Since you (the king)
are the great giver of Dharma, bringing the sweet dews of immortality to strengthen
us, we will protect you, and drive away all harms that may come to you, you
will be made peaceful, also your palace, kingdom and citizens will be free from
all harms
The four great Heavenly kings hold the palms together
and say, Blessed One, if in any kingdom, the king does not circulate this
Sutra, wanting to abandon this Sutra, not willing to listen, not praising or
making offering, not respecting or making offering to the 4 kinds of Disciples
of the Tathagata who uphold this Sutra, then we and our relatives, and
countless devas, will not be able to listen to the profound and miraculous
Dharma, losing the taste of the dews of immortality, no longer having any power
and strength, the evil realms thrive, the number of devas reduced, they fall to
the river of birth-death, losing the path to Nirvana. Blessed One, when we the
4 great Heavenly kings and our Yaksa retinues see this, we will abandon that
kingdom, not having the heart to protect it. We are not the only one to leave
that kingdom; even the great gods who make a vow to protect that kingdom will
also leave. When we have left, the kingdom experiences great calamities. The
status of that nation is lost. The citizens no longer have virtuous minds.
There is only imprisonment, massacre, vengeance, fight, calumny, flatter, the
weak are destroyed, epidemics become rampant, comets often appear, 2 suns
appear at the same time, irregular lunar and solar eclipse, 2 black and white
rainbows appear, falling stars, earthquakes, echoing sounds from the well, heavy
rains, violent winds, altered weathers, hunger, failed crops, enemies and
bandits invade that country, the citizens will suffer, there is no peace in
that country. Blessed One, when we the 4 great Heavenly kings, countless devas
and the gods who protect that country left, there will be great catastrophes in
that country.
Blessed One, any king who wishes for prosperity and
peace for the country, wishing for the citizens to abide peacefully,
vanquishing foreign forces and make his kingdom flourish, wanting to circulate
the righteous Dharma and eliminate all wickedness, then, Blessed One, that king
should listen to this miraculous King of Sutra, should offer to those who
uphold this Sutra. If he can do that, we and countless devas and gods will
benefit greatly thanks to roots of virtues that come from listening to the
Dharma, and tasting the dews of immortality, even our retinues and devas, gods
will also benefit greatly, why, it is because the king whole-heartedly listen
to and accept this Sutra.
Blessed One, for the benefits of sentient beings, the
Brahma king often speaks of the methods that transcend the world, Indra often
speaks of various kinds of methods, and the devas (tiên nhân ngũ thông)
often speak all kinds of methods (luận thuyết). Though the Brahma king, Indra and
the well-versed devas can speak of countless methods, the Tathagata speaks of
the Golden Light Sutra for the benefits of sentient beings; compared to the
above methods, the qualities (of the Golden Light Sutra) is countless times
superior, impossible to make an example. Why? This Sutra has the power to let
all great kings in the Jambudvipa world to bring the righteous Dharma and serve
their respective country; it has the power to bring great peace to sentient
beings, and makes the kings, ministers and the citizens of that nation stay
away from suffering, not harmed by foreign invaders, all wickedness they are
able to leave far, the country will be free from all disasters, subdue everyone
using the Dharma, there will no longer be any argument and protest. As such,
each king in his respective kingdom should light up the torch of the Dharma to
shine forth to infinity, increasing the number of devas and the devas’
retinues. Blessed One, we the Four great Heavenly kings together with countless
devas and gods, the yaksas and all gods in the Jambudvipa world will be able to
drink the supreme taste of the dews of immortality thanks to the king’s deeds;
we will acquire great powers, our light and might all become sufficient, and all
sentient beings will thereby acquire bliss; in the future countless of eons
they will often enjoy great happiness; meet the Tathagatas, sow good roots of
virtues, and attain the Unsurpassed Enlightenment. All such great benefits are
thanks to the Tathagata, who uses great compassion surpassing (that of) the
Brahma king, great wisdom surpassing Indra, great arduous activities surpassing
the well-versed devas, use the experience over countless eons, to speak of this
miraculous Sutra for the benefits of sentient beings, making all kings and
citizens in the whole Jambudvipa world understand the methods of national
management and civil education, in the boundary (limit) belonging to the world.
Thanks to the circulation of this Sutra, every place enjoys great bliss and
peace. All such merits are thanks to the Tathagata’s might of compassion, our
great master, widely speaking of this sutra. Blessed One, as such, the king
should uphold, give offering and respectfully praise this miraculous king of
Sutra. Why, this Sutra brings such inconceivable merits to benefit all, as
such, it is also called the Supreme Lord Sutra. At this time, the Blessed One
speaks to the 4 great Heavenly kings- if you and your retinues together with
countless devas see any king who whole-heartedly listen, make offering and
respectfully praise this Sutra, you should protect that king from all harms,
and also bringing great bliss to them. Among the 4 kinds of Disciples of the
Tathagata, anyone who can circulate this king of Sutra, is actually doing great
work for the Tathagata in the world of human and devas; these people bring
great benefits to countless sentient beings. You the four great Heavenly kings
should protect such people and do not let other work distract them (from the
main task). Do make their mind and body abide in peace so that they can
continuously spread this king of Sutra, thereby bringing benefits to sentient
beings until the end of time.
At this time the Much Listening Heavenly King from his
seat stands up and says to the Tathagata, Blessed One, I have a mantra called
Wish Fulfilling Jewel. Anyone who likes to uphold this mantra creates infinite
merits. I will always protect that person, helping them stay away from
suffering and enjoy great bliss, having the power to fulfill the 2 kinds of
treasure- merits and wisdom. To uphold this mantra, one should first uphold the
mantra of self-protection. The Much Listening Heavenly King speaks the mantra
of self-protection: Namo Vaisravanayamaharajaya tadyatha ra ra ra ra kunu khunu
khunu sapa sapa mahavikarama mahavikarama maharaja raksa raksantu nam sarva
sattvanam svaha
Blessed One, to uphold this mantra, one should first
take a white string, recite the mantra 7 times, each time making a knot from
the white string; afterwards tie the string behind the elbow. This will
complete the method of self-protection. Afterwards, one should bathe cleanly,
wear new clothes and use incense such as an tuc, sandalwood, long nao, to hap,
da ye la, huan luc, each of an equal proportion, mix them together and burn
these incense together in a pot to make offering. And then, in a quiet room,
recite the mantra of summoning me, the Much Listening Heavenly king. Then, the
Much Listening Heavenly king speaks the mantra of summoning: Namo Vaisravanya
namo Danadaya danesvaraya akarsa aparimita danesvara parama karunika sarva
sattvahitacinta mama dana vardhaparye svayam akarsa svaha.
Only after having recited this mantra 7 times do one
recite the primary mantra of Wish Fulfilling Jewel. To chant this Wish
Fulfilling Jewel mantra, one must first chant the names and bow down to the 3
Jewels, then bow down to me, saying these words- Much Listening Great Heavenly
king, the one who has the power to give much treasure, making all wishes become
true, fulfilling all bliss. Having bowed down and said so, one then chant my
Wish Fulfilling Jewel mantra, Much Listening Heavenly King, the mantra that has
the power to bring about great bliss. The Much Listening Heavenly King in front
of the Tathagata speaks of the Wish Fulfilling Jewel mantra: Vaisramanaya
maharajaya tadyatha simi simi sumu sumu canda canda care care sara sara kara
kara kiri kiri kuru kuru muru muru curu curu sadaya atmanam nityam antara dhatu
svaha; namo Vaisramanaya svaha dhanadaya svaha namoratha paripurilkaya svaha.
Blessed One, to uphold this mantra of Wish Fulfilling
Jewel, one should first recite it 1000 times, in the pure place, use cu ma to
apply on the ground, making a small ritual site. Also one-mindedly bring
offering of food depending on the time of the day. Often burn valuable incense,
such that the smoke does not cease. Afterwards, recite the mantra Wish
Fulfilling Jewel, day and night focusing one’s attention in that. Recite in
such a way that only the speaker can hear; do not let others know. At this time,
there will be my son, (son of) the Much Listening Great King, called the Prince
Thien ni si, appearing in the form of a child, and walk to the place of the
person reciting the mantra, and say to him, what is your need, why do you call
for my father? The person who chants the mantra should reply, I want to make
offering to the 3 Jewels, as such, I need money and properties, pray the Great
Heavenly king please grant my wish. The Prince Thien ni si having heard these
words, immediately returns and says to me, father, now there is a gentleman who
one-mindedly wishes to make offering to the 3 Jewels, yet still lacking in
money, thus he calls for you. At this time, I will say, you should hurry and
go, each day, bring to him 100 ca li sa ba na. The person who upholds the
mantra sees this and knows that he has fulfilled his work. He should stay alone
in a quiet place, and burn incense, lie down. Place a perfumed box by the side
of his bed. Each morning waking up, when he looks inside the box, he will see
the thing he wishes for. Every time he has acquired that property, he should
immediately within the span of that day, make offering to the 3 Jewels using
flowers and food, also give to those who are poor. He should use up the
property in that manner and must not retain anything. Towards all sentient
beings, that person should generate the heart of compassion; do not bear anger
or hatred, deceit, flatter or causing harm. If there is anger, the potency (of
the mantra) will be lost. That person should keep his mind from anger.
Moreover, when chanting the mantra of Wish Fulfilling Jewel; everyday, that
person should think about me, the Much Listening Heavenly King, together with
my sons, daughters and relatives, often give praise, admirations and the
(commitment of the) ten virtuous deeds to support us mutually, so that we devas
will increase our strength of merits, our roots of virtues will also grow,
attaining Unsurpassed Enlightenment. When we, the devas, see this, we
(everyone) will be joyous; all together we will protect the person who upholds
the mantra. The lifespan of that person (the person who upholds the mantra)
will be increased, forever parting from the 3 evil realms, often eliminating
all calamities. That person will also be made to acquire the Wish Fulfilling
Jewel, hidden treasures under the ground, great supernatural powers, all wishes
will become true; wishes for high positions, honor, nothing will be amiss.
Moreover, that person will be able to understand the language of animals.
Blessed One, if the person who upholds this mantra of
Wish Fulfilling Jewel wishes to see (me in) my own body, then on the 8th
or the 15th every month, that person should take white cloth to draw
the image of the Tathagata, using resin and various colors to paint and draw.
The person who draws should be given the transmission to keep the 8 precepts (Bát quan trai). On the
left of the statue of the Tathagata, draw the image of the Auspicious Heavenly
goddess, on the right of the statue of the Tathagata, draw the image of me, the
Much Listening Heavenly king, also draw my sons, daughters and relatives. After
that, arrange them correctly. Arrange many colorful flowers and burn famous
incense. Also light the lamp day and night, not extinguishing it. Present
supreme and exquisite food, many rare things, all whole-heartedly offered
according to time. To uphold the mantra of Wish Fulfilling Jewel, one should
not have an idle mind. And when requesting me to arrive, that person should
chant this mantra: Namah Sri kannaya buddhaya namo Vaisramanaya yaksarajaya
maharaja adhirajaya namah sriye mahadevye tadyatha tara tara turu turu bala
bala susuddhi hana hana manikanaka vajravaidurya muktikalamkrsta sariraya
sarvasattva hitakama Vaisramanasriya devipradhaya ehy ehi mavilamba ghurna
ghurna prasya dadhahi mama amakanamaya darsana kamasya darsanan mama mana
pariharadhaya svaha.
Blessed One, when I see that person uphold the mantra,
also seeing them make such magnificent offering, I will rejoice and have
affection for that person. I will transform my body into the body of a child,
an old person, a monk, holding in one hand the Wishing Jewel and a bag of gold
to enter the ritual site; my body (acts) shows great respect, my speech will be
maintained with the chanting of the Tathagata’s name, and I will say to the
person who upholds the Fulfilling Wishes Jewel mantra, whatever you wish for I
will satisfy, from wanting to hide in the forests, creating (refining?)
gemstones, being well-liked by all, wanting gold, silver, wanting to acquire
quick results from chanting any mantra, to having supernatural abilities, great
longevity, supreme joy, I will grant you all. Now I will only speak briefly as
such. If that person wishes for more, I will satisfy all his wishes. Endless
wealth (treasures), infinite merits and virtues. Suppose wanting the moon or
sun to crash down to earth, or shifting the positions of the ground (earth
continent?), my true words are never ineffectual, often enjoying great bliss,
happiness upon will.
Blessed One, anyone who upholds the king of Sutra the
Golden Light, and also recite the Wish Fulfilling Jewel mantra, will not have
to exert much effort, yet the results and effectiveness can still quickly be
attained. Blessed One, I now speak of the Wish Fulfilling Jewel mantra for all
poor people, those who are suffering from sorrow, so that they will reap great
benefits, enjoying wealth, freedom, free from sickness, and they will receive
my protection for the whole life, I will observe the person who uphold this
mantra and eliminate all harms that come to their lives. Within the
circumference of 100 steps, I will make light shine on the people who
circulate, spread and keep the king of Sutra of the Golden Light, as well as
those who uphold the Wish Fulfilling Jewel mantra. Thousands of my Yaksa gods
will also offer protection to them, and will follow their commands accordingly,
to satisfy all their needs. What I speak is true and sincere, not empty, not
false, only the Tathagata knows and witnesses my words.
At this time, when the Much Listening Heavenly king
has spoken about the Wish Fulfilling Jewel mantra, the Tathagata says, how
benign, Heavenly king, you have the capability to tear apart the net of poverty
and suffering of the sentient beings, making them become rich and happy, thus
you speak of the Wish Fulfilling Jewel mantra. You also make this king of Sutra
become widespread in the whole world.
The four great Heavenly kings from their seat stands
up, let bare the right shoulder, kneels down the right knee, bow down to the
feet of the Blessed One and hold the palms together respectfully and speak the
following verses to praise the Tathagata
The face of the Tathagata
Is like the full moon
Like thousands of sun
Projecting great light
Buddha’s eyes are clear, long and wide
Just like the petals of the blue lotus
Buddha’s teeth are uniform and close together
As white as snow and pearls
The qualities of the Tathagata
Are boundless, just like the sea
All great qualities are concentrated here
The water of great wisdom and knowledge
Is kept full and sufficient
The jewel of supreme meditation
With great strength in it
The circular patterns on the feet of the Tathagata
Are beautifully arranged
Flat and steady
Like a cartwheel
Buddha’s fingers and toes
Have magnificent webs
Just like the webs of the feet
Of the king of swans
The body of the Tathagata
Is like a golden mountain
Very pure and unique
None can compare
Also sufficient with all virtues and merits
Like mount Sumeru
We respectfully bow down
To such King of mountain
Infinite good signs
Just like space
Projecting great light
Brighter than the sun;
Like illusions
Which are inconceivable
We bow down to the one
Who is not attached
The four Great Heavenly Kings having praised the
Tathagata just so, Buddha then speaks to them with the following verses
The Golden Light Sutra
The supreme Sutra
Is spoken by the Unsurpassed One
You Heavenly kings should often support and protect
Have the mind of great strength
And irreversibility, fortified
This Sutra is precious
Extremely profound
It has the capability
To bring joy and peace to sentient beings
Since it can bring peace to sentient beings
It is well circulated
In the great Jambudvipa continent
But it also makes
The great Heavenly worlds
All kinds of sentient beings
In those worlds
Particularly hell realms,
Animals or pretas
All such evil realms
Will be eliminated
All kings in the Jambudvipa world
Together with their citizens
Will be made joyful
By the might of this Sutra
And they will be protected
And kept from harm
All mankind in this great continent
Will be free from sickness and sufferings
No bandits, not hostile enemies
Because in that country
This Sutra is well taught (circulated)
The citizens will live in peace
Attaining great bliss and wealth
Anyone who listens to this king of Sutra
Whether they wish for nobility,
Honor or high position
Wealth or benefits
Wishing for peace, and prosperity for their land
All such wishes will be satisfied
According to their prayers
Foreign enmity, invaders
Will be repulsed
In their hometown
They often abide in peace and joy
Thanks to the power
Of this king of Sutra
They will be liberated from suffering
Fearlessly
Just like the jaded trees
Right in one’s house
Which often bear
Instruments of bliss;
This supreme Sutra is also the same
Bringing magnificent benefits
For the king
Just like the clear and pure water
Also cool and fresh
Which can eliminates
All heat, hunger and thirst
This supreme king is also the same
Those who wish for joy and benefits
Will be made satisfied
Just like a person in the house
Who has a precious box of jades
He will enjoy great benefits and use
All at will
This supreme Sutra
Is also the same
One acquires benefits and joy at will
Without missing anything
You Heavenly king
Together with the devas
Should make offering
To this king of Sutra
If you can do
this
According to what the Tathagata teaches
You will have sufficient wisdom and might
The present Tathagatas in the ten directions
Together protect and support
This king of Sutra
If Buddha see anyone who recites
Or upholds this Sutra
Buddha will praise, saying how benign
That is very rare
Anyone who, while listening
To this king of Sutra
Experience great bliss suffusing their body
And are flooded with great joy and animation
That person is often followed and protected
By hundreds of thousand Yaksas
Wherever that person is
The Yaksas will follow and protect
In this world system
The number of celestial beings is countless
Infinite and inconceivable
They all listens to
This king of Sutra
Joyfully protect, and not turning away
Whoever listens to this king of Sutra
Will have great strength and authority
And will be free
Increasing the number of
Human and devas
Stopping all decadence
And increase light
The four Great Heavenly kings, having heard these
verses, rejoice and become jubilant, saying to the Tathagata, for a long time
we have not heard such profound and miraculous Dharma sound as this, in our
heart, joy and sadness (tủi)
mingle with each other, water flows from our eyes and nose, the whole body
trembling, we have witnessed a very rare occasion, inconceivable. The Heavenly
kings then scatter heavenly flowers such as mandala and great mandala on the
Tathagata. Having offered the Tathagata supremely, they say, Blessed One, each
of us (Great Heavenly Kings) has 500 Yaksa retinues, who will often protect
this Sutra and the priest who preaches this Sutra, we will use the light of
wisdom to support. If that priest forgets any words from this king of Sutra, we
will help him recall, not forgetting. We will also offer to that priest the
supreme mantra to make the priest become perfect and complete in all manner. We
will also make sure wherever this king of Sutra is, It will be well circulated
among the dwellers at that place, so that It will not disappear quickly.
In the assembly, when the Tathagata speaks of this
chapter, countless sentient beings acquire the great eloquence encompassing
great wisdom and intelligence, accumulating countless mass of merits,
abandoning sorrow and worry, bearing great joy, skillfully understand all kinds
of methods and reasoning (luận thuyết), walking on the path of liberation, and never
turning away, quickly attaining the Unsurpassed Enlightenment.
No comments:
Post a Comment