見聞利益品第十二
Chapter 12: The Benefits of Seeing and Hearing
爾時，世尊從頂門上，放百千萬億大毫相光——所謂白毫相光、大白毫相光、瑞毫相光、大瑞毫相光、玉毫相光、大玉毫相光、紫毫相光、大紫毫相光、青毫相光、大青毫相光、碧毫相光、大碧毫相光、紅毫相光、大紅毫相光、綠毫相光、大綠毫相光、金毫相光、大金毫相光、慶雲毫相光、大慶雲毫相光、千輪毫光、大千輪毫光、寶輪毫光、大寶輪毫光、日輪毫光、大日輪毫光、月輪毫光、大月輪毫光、宮殿毫光、大宮殿毫光、海雲毫光、大海雲毫光。於頂門上，放如是等毫相光已，出微妙音，告諸大眾、天龍八部、人、非人等：「聽吾今日於忉利天宮稱揚讚歎地藏菩薩於人天中利益等事、不思議事、超聖因事、證十地事、畢竟不退阿耨多羅三藐三菩提事。」
At that time, the World-Honored One emitted from the crown of his head hundreds of thousands of millions of great rays of light from the ūrṇā hair—namely, the light of the white ūrṇā hair, the light of the great white ūrṇā hair, the light of the auspicious ūrṇā hair, the light of the great auspicious ūrṇā hair, the light of the jade ūrṇā hair, the light of the great jade ūrṇā hair, the light of the purple ūrṇā hair, the light of the great purple ūrṇā hair, the light of the blue ūrṇā hair, the light of the great blue ūrṇā hair, the light of the azure ūrṇā hair, the light of the great azure ūrṇā hair, the light of the red ūrṇā hair, the light of the great red ūrṇā hair, the light of the green ūrṇā hair, the light of the great green ūrṇā hair, the light of the golden ūrṇā hair, the light of the great golden ūrṇā hair, the light of the felicitous-cloud ūrṇā hair, the light of the great felicitous-cloud ūrṇā hair, the light of the thousand-wheel ūrṇā hair, the light of the great thousand-wheel ūrṇā hair, the light of the jewel-wheel ūrṇā hair, the light of the great jewel-wheel ūrṇā hair, the light of the sun-wheel ūrṇā hair, the light of the great sun-wheel ūrṇā hair, the light of the moon-wheel ūrṇā hair, the light of the great moon-wheel ūrṇā hair, the light of the palace ūrṇā hair, the light of the great palace ūrṇā hair, the light of the ocean-cloud ūrṇā hair, and the light of the great ocean-cloud ūrṇā hair.
Having emitted such rays of light from the crown of his head, he then uttered a subtle and wonderful voice, addressing the great assembly, the eightfold divisions of gods and dragons, humans, non-humans, and others: “Listen now as I, today in the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven, proclaim and praise the deeds of benefit among humans and gods, the inconceivable deeds, the deeds surpassing holy causes, the deeds of attaining the ten grounds, and the deeds of ultimately never regressing from anuttarā-samyak-saṃbodhi performed by the Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha.”
說是語時，會中有一菩薩摩訶薩，名觀世音，從座而起，胡跪合掌，白佛言：「世尊！是地藏菩薩摩訶薩，具大慈悲，憐愍罪苦眾生，於千萬億世界，化千萬億身。所有功德，及不思議威神之力，我聞世尊與十方無量諸佛，異口同音，讚歎地藏菩薩云：正使過去現在未來諸佛，說其功德，猶不能盡。向者，又蒙世尊普告大眾，欲稱揚地藏利益等事。唯願世尊，為現在未來一切眾生，稱揚地藏不思議事，令天龍八部，瞻禮獲福。」
At that moment, among the assembly there was a great bodhisattva named Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin), who rose from his seat, knelt with right knee upon the ground, joined his palms, and addressed the Buddha, saying: "World-Honored One, this great bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha possesses great compassion and pity for sinful and suffering beings. Throughout hundreds of millions of worlds, he manifests hundreds of millions of bodies. All his meritorious deeds and his inconceivable majestic spiritual powers—I have heard the World-Honored One, together with immeasurable buddhas from the ten directions, praising Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva with one voice, saying: 'Even if all buddhas of the past, present, and future were to speak of his merits, they could never exhaust them.' Just now, you have also addressed the great assembly, wishing to proclaim the beneficial deeds of Kṣitigarbha. I pray that the World-Honored One, for the sake of all beings now and in the future, will proclaim the inconceivable deeds of Kṣitigarbha, so that the eight kinds of celestial and dragon beings may gaze upon him with reverence, pay homage, and thereby obtain blessings."
佛告觀世音菩薩：「汝於娑婆世界，有大因緣。若天若龍、若男若女、若神若鬼，乃至六道罪苦眾生，聞汝名者、見汝形者、戀慕汝者、讚歎汝者，是諸眾生，於無上道，必不退轉，常生人天，具受妙樂，因果將熟，遇佛授記。汝今具大慈悲，憐愍眾生，及天龍八部，聽吾宣說地藏菩薩不思議利益之事。汝當諦聽，吾今說之。」
The Buddha addressed Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, saying: “You have a profound karmic connection with the Sahā World. Whether among devas or nāgas, men or women, spirits or ghosts, or even all sentient beings suffering from offenses within the six paths—those who hear your name, behold your form, cherish and yearn for you, or praise you—all such beings will never regress from the supreme path. They will constantly be reborn among humans and devas, fully experiencing wondrous bliss. When their causes and fruits are about to ripen, they will encounter a Buddha who confers a prediction. Now, you who are endowed with great compassion and pity for sentient beings, along with the devas, nāgas, and the eightfold assembly, listen as I proclaim the inconceivable beneficial deeds of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva. You should listen attentively, for I shall now speak of them.”
觀世音言：「唯然，世尊！願樂欲聞。」
Guanyin replied: "So be it, World-Honored One. I earnestly wish to hear."
佛告觀世音菩薩：「未來現在諸世界中，有天人受天福盡，有五衰相現，或有墮於惡道之者。如是天人，若男若女，當現相時，或見地藏菩薩形像，或聞地藏菩薩名，一瞻一禮，是諸天人，轉增天福，受大快樂，永不墮三惡道報。何況見聞菩薩，以諸香、華、衣服、飲食、寶貝、瓔珞，布施供養，所獲功德福利，無量無邊。
The Buddha addressed Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva, saying: "In the worlds of the future and the present, there are heavenly beings whose celestial blessings are exhausted, and the five signs of decay appear. Some may be about to fall into the evil paths. When such heavenly beings, whether male or female, at the time these signs appear, either behold the form of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, or hear the name of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, and with a single glance or a single act of reverence, these heavenly beings will have their celestial blessings increased, experience great bliss, and never again fall into the retribution of the three evil paths. How much more so for those who see or hear the Bodhisattva and make offerings to him with various incenses, flowers, clothing, food and drink, precious jewels, and necklaces—the merit and benefit they shall obtain are immeasurable and boundless."
「復次，觀世音！若未來現在諸世界中，六道眾生，臨命終時，得聞地藏菩薩名，一聲歷耳根者，是諸眾生，永不歷三惡道苦。何況臨命終時，父母眷屬，將是命終人舍宅、財物、寶貝、衣服，塑畫地藏形像。或使病人未終之時，眼耳見聞，知道眷屬將舍宅寶貝等，為其自身，塑畫地藏菩薩形像。是人若是業報合受重病者，承斯功德，尋即除愈，壽命增益。是人若是業報命盡，應有一切罪障業障，合墮惡趣者，承斯功德，命終之後，即生人天，受勝妙樂，一切罪障，悉皆銷滅。
Moreover, Kuan Shih Yin! If any being among the six paths of existence in the worlds of the future and present, when approaching the end of life, hears the name of the Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha, and that name reaches his ear but once, such beings shall never again pass through the sufferings of the three evil paths. How much more if, when approaching the end of life, parents and relatives take the belongings of the dying person—his house, wealth, valuables, jewels, and garments—and fashion or paint an image of Kṣitigarbha. Or if, before the sick person’s life has ended, he sees with his own eyes and hears with his own ears that his relatives are taking his house, valuables, and such to fashion or paint an image of the Bodhisattva Kṣitigarbha for his own sake. If this person is due to suffer severe illness as the result of his karmic retribution, then by virtue of this merit, he will quickly be cured and his lifespan increased. If this person’s life is due to end as the result of his karmic retribution, and he is burdened with all manner of offenses, hindrances, and karmic obstacles that should cause him to fall into the evil realms, then by virtue of this merit, after his life ends, he will immediately be reborn among humans or devas, where he will enjoy sublime and wonderful bliss, and all his offenses and hindrances will be entirely eradicated.
「復次，觀世音菩薩！若未來世，有男子女人，或乳哺時，或三歲、五歲、十歲已下，亡失父母，乃及亡失兄弟姊妹。是人年既長大，思憶父母，及諸眷屬，不知落在何趣？生何世界？生何天中？是人若能塑畫地藏菩薩形像，乃至聞名，一瞻一禮，一日至七日，莫退初心，聞名見形，瞻禮供養。是人眷屬，假因業故，墮惡趣者，計當劫數，承斯男女兄弟姊妹塑畫地藏形像、瞻禮功德，尋即解脫，生人天中；受勝妙樂者，即承斯功德，轉增聖因，受無量樂。是人更能三七日中，一心瞻禮地藏形像，念其名字，滿於萬遍。當得菩薩現無邊身，具告是人眷屬生界；或於夢中，菩薩現大神力，親領是人於諸世界，見諸眷屬。更能每日，念菩薩名千遍，至于千日。是人當得菩薩遣所在土地鬼神，終身衛護，現世衣食豐溢，無諸疾苦，乃至橫事不入其門，何況及身？是人畢竟得菩薩摩頂授記。
Furthermore, Bodhisattva Guanyin, if in future ages there are men or women who, whether during infancy or at the age of three, five, or under ten, lose their parents, or perhaps lose their brothers and sisters, and when these persons grow up, they think of and long for their parents and other family members, not knowing into which realm they have fallen, in which world they have been reborn, or in which heaven they now dwell—if such persons can mold or paint an image of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, or even just hear his name, behold it once, or make a single bow, and from one day up to seven days, do not retreat from their initial resolve, and upon hearing his name or seeing his form, they gaze upon it, bow, and make offerings, then any of their family members who, due to past karma, have fallen into the evil realms and were destined to remain there for countless eons, will, by virtue of the merit generated by these men, women, brothers, or sisters molding or painting the image of Ksitigarbha and gazing upon it and bowing, quickly be liberated and be reborn among humans or devas, where they will experience sublime and wonderful bliss. Those already enjoying such bliss will, by this same merit, have their noble causes increased and experience immeasurable joy.
If, furthermore, such a person can for twenty-one days single-mindedly gaze upon and bow to the image of Ksitigarbha, reciting his name ten thousand times, then the Bodhisattva will manifest his boundless form and fully inform this person of the realm where their family members have been reborn. Or, in a dream, the Bodhisattva may display great spiritual power, personally leading this person through various worlds to see their family members.
If, moreover, one can recite the Bodhisattva’s name a thousand times daily for a thousand days, that person will receive the protection of the local earth spirits and ghostly deities dispatched by the Bodhisattva, who will guard them for life. In their present existence, they will have abundant clothing and food, be free from all illnesses and sufferings, and even accidents and misfortunes will not enter their gate, much less befall their person. Ultimately, such a person will receive the Bodhisattva’s prophecy of enlightenment by the touch of his hand upon their head.
「復次，觀世音菩薩！若未來世，有善男子、善女人，欲發廣大慈心，救度一切眾生者，欲修無上菩提者，欲出離三界者。是諸人等，見地藏形像及聞名者，至心歸依，或以香華衣服、寶貝飲食，供養瞻禮。是善男女等，所願速成，永無障礙。
Furthermore, O Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara! If in future ages there are good men and good women who wish to give rise to a vast mind of compassion to rescue and deliver all sentient beings, who wish to cultivate unsurpassed Bodhi, who wish to transcend the Three Realms—all such people, upon seeing the form of Kṣitigarbha or hearing his name, should with utmost sincerity take refuge, or make offerings of incense, flowers, clothing, jewels, food, and drink, and revere him with worship. For these good men and women, their vows will swiftly be fulfilled, forever free from obstruction.
「復次，觀世音！若未來世，有善男子、善女人，欲求現在未來百千萬億等願、百千萬億等事，但當歸依、瞻禮、供養、讚歎地藏菩薩形像，如是所願所求，悉皆成就。復願地藏菩薩，具大慈悲，永擁護我，是人於睡夢中，即得菩薩摩頂授記。
Moreover, Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, if in future ages there are virtuous men and virtuous women who seek to fulfill hundreds of thousands of millions of vows and hundreds of thousands of millions of matters, whether present or future, they should only take refuge in, gaze upon and venerate, make offerings to, and praise the image of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva. In this way, all that they vow and seek will be completely accomplished. Furthermore, if they pray to Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, who possesses great compassion, to forever protect and support them, then in their sleep and dreams, they will immediately receive the Bodhisattva’s prophecy of future enlightenment by the touch of his hand upon their heads.
「復次，觀世音菩薩！若未來世，善男子、善女人，於大乘經典，深生珍重，發不思議心，欲讀欲誦。縱遇明師，教視令熟，旋得旋忘，動經年月，不能讀誦。是善男子等，有宿業障，未得銷除，故於大乘經典，無讀誦性。如是之人，聞地藏菩薩名，見地藏菩薩像，具以本心恭敬陳白，更以香、華、衣服、飲食、一切玩具，供養菩薩。以淨水一盞，經一日一夜，安菩薩前，然後合掌請服，迴首向南，臨入口時，至心鄭重。服水既畢，慎五辛、酒肉、邪婬、妄語，及諸殺害，一七日，或三七日。是善男子、善女人，於睡夢中，具見地藏菩薩現無邊身，於是人處授灌頂水。其人夢覺，即獲聰明，應是經典，一歷耳根，即當永記，更不忘失一句一偈。
Furthermore, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva! If, in a future age, good men or good women, upon encountering the great vehicle scriptures, feel a deep reverence and give rise to an inconceivable resolve, wishing to read and recite them—yet even when they meet a wise teacher who instructs them and helps them become familiar, they grasp it only to forget it again, and though months and years pass, they remain unable to read or recite—these good men and women have karmic obstacles from past lives that have not yet been cleared away. Therefore, they lack the capacity to read and recite the great vehicle scriptures.
Such people, upon hearing the name of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva or seeing an image of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, should sincerely and respectfully state their original intention. Furthermore, they should make offerings to the Bodhisattva with incense, flowers, clothing, food and drink, and all kinds of pleasing articles. They should place a clean bowl of water before the Bodhisattva for a full day and night. Then, with palms joined, they should reverently drink the water, turning to face the south as they bring it to their lips, doing so with utmost sincerity and gravity.
After drinking the water, they must carefully avoid the five pungent plants, alcohol, meat, sexual misconduct, false speech, and all killing for a period of either seven days or twenty-one days. These good men or good women will then, in their sleep, see Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva manifest an immeasurable form and, in that place, bestow upon them the water of empowerment. Upon awakening from the dream, they will immediately gain wisdom and clarity. Any scripture they hear will, upon reaching their ear, be forever remembered, and they will never again forget a single sentence or verse.
「復次，觀世音菩薩！若未來世，有諸人等：衣食不足，求者乖願；或多病疾，或多凶衰；家宅不安，眷屬分散；或諸橫事，多來忤身；睡夢之間，多有驚怖。如是人等，聞地藏名，見地藏形，至心恭敬，念滿萬遍。是諸不如意事，漸漸消滅，即得安樂，衣食豐溢，乃至於睡夢中，悉皆安樂。
Moreover, Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva! If in future ages there are people who: have insufficient clothing and food, whose prayers go unfulfilled; or who suffer from many illnesses, or many inauspicious and declining circumstances; whose households are unsettled, whose family members are scattered; or upon whom many unexpected calamities come, conflicting with their lives; who, in the midst of sleep and dreams, are often frightened and terrified. Such people as these, upon hearing the name of Kṣitigarbha, seeing the form of Kṣitigarbha, and with utmost sincerity and reverence, recite his name fully ten thousand times. All these unfavorable matters will gradually diminish and vanish, and they will immediately attain peace and happiness, with clothing and food abundant and overflowing, and even in their sleep and dreams, all will be peaceful and joyful.
「復次，觀世音菩薩！若未來世，有善男子、善女人，或因治生，或因公私，或因生死，或因急事，入山林中，過渡河海，乃及大水，或經險道。是人先當念地藏菩薩名萬遍，所過土地，鬼神衛護，行住坐臥，永保安樂。乃至逢於虎狼師子、一切毒害，不能損之。」
Moreover, Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, if in future ages there are good men or good women who, whether for their livelihood, for public or private affairs, for matters of life and death, or due to urgent business, enter mountain forests, cross rivers or seas, or pass through great waters, or travel dangerous paths, such persons should first recite the name of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva ten thousand times. Then the spirits of the lands they pass through will guard and protect them. Whether walking, staying, sitting, or lying down, they will forever dwell in peace and joy. Even if they encounter tigers, wolves, lions, or all other harmful and poisonous creatures, none will be able to harm them.
佛告觀世音菩薩：「是地藏菩薩，於閻浮提，有大因緣。若說於諸眾生見聞利益等事，百千劫中，說不能盡。是故，觀世音！汝以神力，流布是經，令娑婆世界眾生，百千萬劫，永受安樂。」
The Buddha said to Guanyin Bodhisattva, "Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva has a profound connection with the beings of Jambudvipa. Even if one were to speak for hundreds of thousands of kalpas, it would be impossible to fully describe the benefits that living beings gain from seeing or hearing of him. Therefore, Guanyin, use your divine power to spread this sutra far and wide, so that all beings in this Saha world may enjoy peace and happiness for countless ages."
爾時，世尊而說偈言：
Then, the World-Honored One spoke these verses:
「吾觀地藏威神力，恒河沙劫說難盡，
見聞瞻禮一念間，利益人天無量事。
若男若女若龍神，報盡應當墮惡道，
至心歸依大士身，壽命轉增除罪障。
少失父母恩愛者，未知魂神在何趣？
兄弟姊妹及諸親，生長以來皆不識。
或塑或畫大士身，悲戀瞻禮不暫捨，
三七日中念其名。菩薩當現無邊體，
示其眷屬所生界，縱墮惡趣尋出離。
若能不退是初心，即獲摩頂受聖記。
欲修無上菩提者，乃至出離三界苦，
是人既發大悲心，先當瞻禮大士像，
一切諸願速成就，永無業障能遮止。
有人發心念經典，欲度群迷超彼岸，
雖立是願不思議，旋讀旋忘多廢失。
斯人有業障惑故，於大乘經不能記。
供養地藏以香華，衣服飲食諸玩具，
以淨水安大士前，一日一夜求服之，
發殷重心慎五辛，酒肉邪淫及妄語，
三七日內勿殺害，至心思念大士名。
即於夢中見無邊，覺來便得利根耳，
應是經教歷耳聞，千萬生中永不忘。
以是大士不思議，能使斯人獲此慧。
貧窮眾生及疾病，家宅凶衰眷屬離，
睡夢之中悉不安，求者乖違無稱遂。
至心瞻禮地藏像，一切惡事皆消滅，
至於夢中盡得安，衣食豐饒神鬼護。
欲入山林及渡海，毒惡禽獸及惡人，
惡神惡鬼并惡風，一切諸難諸苦惱。
但當瞻禮及供養，地藏菩薩大士像，
如是山林大海中，應是諸惡皆消滅。
觀音至心聽吾說，地藏無盡不思議，
百千萬劫說不周，廣宣大士如是力。
地藏名字人若聞，乃至見像瞻禮者，
香華衣服飲食奉，供養百千受妙樂，
若能以此迴法界，畢竟成佛超生死。
是故觀音汝當知，普告恒沙諸國土。」
I observe the majestic power of Ksitigarbha, Vast as the sands of the Ganges, beyond all telling. Yet in a single moment of seeing, hearing, or revering, Immeasurable benefit for gods and humans unfolds.
Whether man or woman, dragon or spirit, Whose karmic reward ends and who should fall to the evil paths, If they wholeheartedly take refuge in the Great Being, Their life will be extended and their karmic obstacles removed.
Those who lost loving parents in youth, Not knowing where their spirits have gone; Brothers, sisters, and all relatives, Whom they have never known since birth—
If they mold or paint the image of this Great Being, And with sorrowful longing gaze and revere, never ceasing, Reciting his name for twenty-one days, The Bodhisattva will manifest his boundless form,
Revealing to them the realm where their kin were born, And even if they had fallen to evil paths, they will swiftly be freed. If they can remain steadfast in this initial resolve, They will receive the prophecy of enlightenment by his touch upon their head.
Those who wish to cultivate supreme enlightenment, And even to transcend the suffering of the three realms— Such persons, having aroused great compassion, Should first gaze upon and revere the image of the Great Being.
All their vows will swiftly be fulfilled, And no karmic hindrance will ever obstruct them.
Some resolve to recite the sutras, Wishing to guide the confused across to the other shore. Though they set this inconceivable vow, As they read, they forget, and often fail.
Such people have karmic obstacles and confusion, So they cannot retain the Mahayana sutras. Make offerings to Ksitigarbha with incense, flowers, Clothing, food, drink, and various playthings.
Place clean water before the Great Being, And for one day and one night, seek to drink it. Arouse a sincere and earnest heart, avoid the five pungent plants, Alcohol, meat, sexual misconduct, and false speech.
For twenty-one days, do not kill, And with utmost sincerity, recite the name of the Great Being. Then, in dreams, you will see the boundless, And upon waking, gain keen faculties.
Whatever sutras and teachings then reach your ears, For a thousand, ten thousand lifetimes, you will never forget. Such is the inconceivable power of this Great Being, Enabling such people to attain this wisdom.
Poor and afflicted beings, With households in decline, kin separated, Finding no peace even in sleep and dreams, Seeking but meeting with obstruction and failure—
If they wholeheartedly gaze upon and revere the image of Ksitigarbha, All evil circumstances will be dispelled. Even in their dreams, they will find peace, With ample food and clothing, protected by spirits.
Those about to enter mountains or cross the sea, Facing poisonous beasts and evil people, Malicious spirits, ghosts, and fierce winds, All kinds of difficulties and sufferings—
Simply by gazing, revering, and making offerings To the image of the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, Then in those mountains or upon that sea, All such evils will be dispelled.
Guanyin, listen to me with utmost sincerity: Ksitigarbha’s power is endless, inconceivable. For a hundred thousand kalpas, one could not tell it all. Widely proclaim the Great Being’s power such as this.
If people hear the name ‘Ksitigarbha’, Or even see his image and revere it, Offering incense, flowers, clothing, food, and drink, They will receive sublime joy for hundreds of thousands of lives.
If they dedicate this merit throughout the Dharma Realm, They will ultimately attain Buddhahood, transcending birth and death. Therefore, Guanyin, you should know this, And proclaim it widely throughout all lands, numerous as Ganges’ sands.