The Great Vehicle's Principles: The Six Perfections, Volume 2

Translated by the Tripitaka Master Prajñā of Jibin Kingdom, by Imperial Command.

Chapter 2: The Dharani for Protecting the Nation's Borders

At that time, the World-Honored One was about to expound the profound, ultimate truth of the six perfections of the great bodhisattvas. Then, from the east, a great radiance arose—a brilliant, golden light that illuminated the city of Rajagriha, the Venuvana monastery, and even the entire three-thousandfold world system, turning everything to gold.

The light of all the deities in this world—the Four Heavenly Kings, Sakra Devanam Indra, even the Paranimmitavasavatti devas and Mahabrahma—as well as the light of the sun, moon, stars, jewels, lamps, and torches, could not compare to it. Except for the light of the Buddha himself and the light of the anointed, consecrated bodhisattvas, all other lights were outshone and ceased to appear.

Furthermore, in this three-thousandfold world system, there were dark places where even the mighty, brilliant light of the sun and moon could not reach, leaving beings there in shadow. By the Buddha’s light, those beings were able to see one another clearly. In all these worlds, palaces, houses, walls, mountains, forests, plants, and all kinds of objects could not obstruct this light.

All mountains—the Fragrant Mountain, Jewel Mountain, Black Mountain, Snow Mountain, Mount Sumeru, the Iron Ring Mountains, the Great Iron Ring Mountains, Mount Mucilinda, and Mount Mahamucilinda—when touched by this light, became transparent inside and out, without any hindrance. From the lowest Avici Hell up to the Peak of Existence, all were bathed in this light, nowhere left unilluminated.

All the lights of this three-thousandfold world merged into one light, without distinction. Beings touched by this light found their misdeeds, defilements, and afflictions dissolved. Their bodies and minds became peaceful and joyful, and each thought: “It is by this light that we have attained such peace and joy.”

At that time, Ananda, seeing this rare and extraordinary light, so wondrous and unprecedented, rose from his seat, straightened his robes, bared his right shoulder, knelt on one knee, and with palms joined, addressed the Buddha:

"World-Honored One, for what reason has this extraordinary and marvelous light appeared? This radiance and the precious floral fragrance—we have never heard or seen such things before. From where do they come, manifesting this auspicious sign? I beseech you, World-Honored One, to explain it clearly, so that all in this assembly may hear and understand."

At that time, the World-Honored One addressed Ananda: "You should know that to the east of here, there is a world called Unblinking. In that world, there is a great bodhisattva named Inexhaustible Treasury, surrounded and honored by sixty koṭis of great bodhisattvas. Wishing to come here, they have manifested this auspicious sign."

At that moment, as the World-Honored One spoke these words,

And then this great earth shook in six ways.