阿閦佛國經卷上
Akṣobhya Buddha's Land Sutra, Volume 1
後漢月支國三藏支婁迦讖譯
Translated by Lokaksema, Tripitaka Master from Yuezhi, Later Han Dynasty
發意受慧品第一
Chapter 1: Generating the Mind and Receiving Wisdom
聞如是：
This is what I heard:
一時佛在羅閱祇耆闍崛山中，與大比丘眾比丘千二百五十人俱，皆阿羅漢也——生死已斷，無復有結，悉壞牢獄，已得自在意、已善解智慧，為度諸天、龍王皆為之伏，所作已辦，諸當為者已脫重擔，便得所有，用正慧解，意得自在，所度無極——獨阿難未也。
Once, the Buddha was staying at Vulture Peak near Rajagriha, together with a great assembly of twelve hundred and fifty monks. They were all Arahants—those who had cut off the cycle of birth and death, were free from all attachments, had broken out of the prison of existence, and had gained true mastery over their own minds. They had fully realized wisdom, were respected by the gods and the dragon kings, who all bowed to them. They had completed what needed to be done, had set down the heavy burden, had attained their goal, and were truly liberated through right understanding. Their minds were free, and their compassion was boundless—all except for Ananda.
爾時，賢者舍利弗起，長跪叉手而白佛言：「善哉，天中天！昔者諸菩薩求無上正真道者行德號發意便得至號。是諸菩薩以儀哀念安隱諸天及世間人，為作安諦、多所安隱，於眾人民以儀故哀念安定，以大身於世間無蓋哀傷諸天及人。今現在及過去諸菩薩摩訶薩為現光明乃至法之明為作照明，令至佛光明而無有名。若有求菩薩道者，當如昔者諸菩薩摩訶薩所願及行明照并僧那令入德號，以聞者當如是學奉行之。學如是者，即為成阿惟越致及無上正真道也。」
At that time, the elder Shariputra rose, knelt, pressed his palms together, and said to the Buddha: "Excellent, Heavenly Honored One! In the past, all bodhisattvas who sought supreme true enlightenment cultivated virtuous conduct through the power of their vows—immediately upon generating that aspiration, they attained the title. These bodhisattvas, through their compassionate intention, brought peace and comfort to all celestial beings and people of the world, providing genuine security and abundant well-being; for the sake of all beings, they acted with compassion and stability. With their great bodies, they offered shelter without limit to celestial beings and humans alike, bringing them consolation. The present bodhisattva-mahasattvas, as well as those of the past, have manifested light—even the light of the Dharma—shining brightly, leading to the Buddha’s radiance, which remains beyond any name. If there are those who seek the bodhisattva path, they should follow the aspirations and practices of the bodhisattva-mahasattvas of old, the brightness of their vows, and their commitments, so as to enter the virtuous title. Having heard this, they should study and practice accordingly. To learn in this way is to attain irreversible progress and supreme true enlightenment."
佛言：「善哉，賢者舍利弗！所問甚善。汝乃問過去諸菩薩摩訶薩所願及行照明并僧那令至所號，念諸當來菩薩令受取之。諦聽是，舍利弗！善思念之，為汝解說過去諸菩薩摩訶薩所施行。」
The Buddha replied, "Excellent, wise Shariputra! Your question is truly good. You ask about the vows and practices of all past great bodhisattvas—the radiance of their deeds, how their heroic vows led to their titles—and you wish to preserve this for future bodhisattvas to cherish. Listen well, Shariputra! Hold this in your heart, and I will explain for you the ways of the great bodhisattvas of the past."
舍利弗言：「唯然，世尊！願樂欲聞。」
Shariputra said, “Yes, World-Honored One! We are eager to hear it.”
佛告舍利弗：「有世界名阿比羅提，其佛名大目，於彼為諸菩薩摩訶薩說法及六度無極之行。」
The Buddha told Shariputra, “There is a world called Abhirati. Its Buddha, named Mahāvīra, teaches the bodhisattvas and great beings there and expounds on the practice of the six perfections.”
爾時，賢者舍利弗心念言：「我欲問如來、天中天：何所是阿比羅提世界及大目如來、無所著、等正覺為諸菩薩摩訶薩說法及六度無極之行者乎？」
At that time, the wise elder Shariputra thought to himself: "I wish to ask the Thus-Come One, the Heavenly Honored One: What is the Land of Abhirati? And how does the Great Tathagata, the Unattached One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, teach the Dharma to the great bodhisattvas, along with the practice of the six perfections?"
時佛即知賢者舍利弗心所念，告舍利弗言：「東方去是千佛剎，有世界名阿比羅提，其佛名大目如來、無所著、等正覺，為諸菩薩說法及六度無極之行者乎。
At that time, the Buddha knew what the venerable Shariputra was thinking. So he said to Shariputra: "To the east, past a thousand buddha-lands, there is a world called Abhirati. Its Buddha is named Akshobhya Tathagata, the Arhat, the Fully Enlightened One. He teaches the Dharma to bodhisattvas and explains the practice of the Six Perfections."
「時有比丘從坐起，正衣服，右膝著地，向大目如來叉手，白大目如來言：『唯，天中天！我欲如菩薩結願，學所當學者。』
At that time, a monk rose from his seat, straightened his robes, knelt on his right knee, and pressed his palms together before the Great Sun Tathagata. He said, "O Bhagavan, the honored one among the gods! I wish to make vows like a bodhisattva and learn what should be learned."
「如是，舍利弗！其大目如來告其比丘言：『如結願學諸菩薩道者甚亦難。所以者何？菩薩於一切人民及蜎飛、蠕動之類不得有瞋恚。』
"Thus, Shariputra, the Great-Eyed Tathagata addressed his monks, saying: 'It is very difficult for those who aspire to learn the path of a bodhisattva. Why? Because a bodhisattva must not harbor anger or hatred toward any living being—whether human, flying insect, or crawling creature.'"
「如是，舍利弗！其比丘白大目如來言：『天中天！我從今以往發無上正真道意，以意勸助而不離之，用願無上正真道也，當令無諛諂，所語至誠、所言無異。
Thus, Shariputra, that monk said to the Great Sun Tathagata: "Heavenly Honored One! From now on I shall awaken the supreme, true and correct Way. With my mind I encourage and support it without abandoning it, and I vow to attain the supreme, true and correct Way. May I never be deceitful or flattering, may my words be sincere and my speech be truthful."
「『唯，天中天！我發是薩芸若意，審如是願為無上正真道者，若於一切人民、蜎飛、蠕動之類起是瞋恚，第一意若發弟子緣一覺意、第二唯意念婬欲、第三若發意念睡眠念眾想由譽、第四發意念狐疑、第五乃至成最正覺，我為欺是諸佛、世尊——諸不可計無央數、不可思議無量世界中諸佛、天中天今現在說法者。
"O World-Honored One! If I have truly set my mind on attaining all-knowing wisdom and make this vow to reach the Supreme Enlightenment, yet I should still harbor anger or ill will toward any being—whether human, insect, or creature that crawls—that would be my first betrayal. If I should give rise to thoughts of becoming a disciple or a self-enlightened one, that would be my second betrayal. If I should think lustful thoughts, that would be my third betrayal. If I should give in to drowsiness, distraction, or vanity, that would be my fourth betrayal. If I should entertain doubt, that would be my fifth betrayal. Until I attain the highest perfect enlightenment, if I should deceive all the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones—those countless, immeasurable, inconceivable, boundless Buddhas now teaching in their worlds throughout the universe—then let me be false in my word."
「『唯，天中天！我發是薩芸若意，審如是願為無上正真道者，若我發意念殺生者，第一若發意念盜取他人財物、第二若發意念非梵行者、第三若發意念妄言、第四若發意念悔恨、第五乃至成最正覺，我為欺是諸佛、世尊——諸不可計無央數、不可思議無量世界中諸佛、天中天今現在說法者。
"Lord of Heaven, I make this vow. If I truly aspire to attain the supreme and perfect enlightenment—the all-knowing wisdom—then let this be my resolve: should I ever conceive a thought to kill a living being, that would be my first transgression. Should I ever conceive a thought to steal others' property, that would be my second. Should I ever conceive a thought to engage in unchaste conduct, that would be my third. Should I ever conceive a thought to speak falsely, that would be my fourth. Should I ever conceive a thought of regret or remorse regarding these vows, even up to the moment I achieve the highest awakening, that would be my fifth. If I break these vows, then I would be deceiving all the Buddhas and World-Honored Ones—the countless, innumerable Buddhas beyond measure, beyond conception, across infinite worlds, who are even now expounding the Dharma."
「『唯，天中天！我發是薩芸若意，審如是願為無上正真道者，若我發意念罵詈，第一若發意念惡口、第二愚癡、第三若發意念綺語、第四若發意念邪見、第五乃至成最正覺，我為欺是諸佛、世尊——諸不可計無央數、不可思議無量世界中諸佛、天中天今現在說法者。』」
"‘Only, O World-Honored One, when I set my mind on this omniscient wisdom and truly vow to achieve the unsurpassed, true, and perfect enlightenment—if I then think of cursing or abusing others, that is the first fault; if I think of harsh speech, that is the second; if I think of foolishness, that is the third; if I think of frivolous talk, that is the fourth; if I think of wrong views, that is the fifth—all the way up until I attain the highest enlightenment, then I would be deceiving all those Buddhas, World-Honored Ones, who are now teaching the Dharma in countless, inconceivable, immeasurable worlds.’"
佛語舍利弗：「其比丘如是為，以被是大僧那僧涅——菩薩摩訶薩初發是意，乃於一切人民、蜎飛、蠕動之類意無瞋怒、亦無恚恨也。
The Buddha said to Shariputra, "When a monk practices like this, having put on the great armor—this is what a Great Bodhisattva does when first generating this intention. Towards all people and all living beings—whether flying, crawling, or wriggling—they have no anger, no resentment, and no hatred."
「舍利弗！爾時，其菩薩摩訶薩用無瞋恚故名之為阿閦，用無瞋恚故住阿閦地。其大目如來、無所著、等正覺亦歡樂作是名、四天王亦歡樂為是名、天帝釋及梵三鉢亦歡樂作是名。」
"Shariputra, at that time, because this great bodhisattva was completely free from anger, he was called Akṣobhya [the Imperturbable One], and because of this freedom from anger, he dwelt in the state of Akṣobhya. Accordingly, the Tathāgata, the Arhat, the Perfectly Enlightened One Mahāvairocana joyfully gave him this name, and so did the Four Heavenly Kings, Śakra Devānām Indra, and Brahma joyfully bestow this same title."
佛語舍利弗：「其阿閦菩薩摩訶薩白大目如來、無所著、等正覺言：『唯，天中天！我發是薩芸若意，審如是不離願、為無上正真道者，不奉行如今所語、常不捨得律行迹、不發薩芸若意而欲念成佛者，世世不常作沙門、世世不常著補納之衣、世世作沙門以三法衣不具，乃至成最正覺，我為欺是諸佛、世尊——諸不可計無央數、不可思議無量世界中諸佛、天中天今現在說法者。
The Buddha said to Shariputra, “The Bodhisattva Mahasattva Akshobhya declared to the Tathagata, the Arhat, the Fully Enlightened One, the Sun of the Sky: ‘O Blessed One, I have set my mind on omniscience. If this is truly so, if it is my unwavering resolve to achieve supreme and perfect enlightenment, then may I not fail to follow what I now say. May I never abandon the path of discipline and practice. If I should ever set aside this resolve for omniscience, or waver in my wish to become a Buddha, then may I not always be a monk in every life, may I not always wear the patched robe of a mendicant, may I not always have the three Dharma robes in every life as a monk—all the way to attaining full enlightenment. If this fails, then I would be deceiving all the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones—countless, immeasurable, inconceivable Buddhas of the boundless universes who are now present, preaching the Dharma.’”
「『唯，天中天！我發薩芸若意，審如是願為無上正真道者，世世不常為人說法、世世不常作法師、世世所說事不有無所罣礙高明之行、世世不有無量高明之智、世世作沙門不常行分衛，乃至成最正覺，我為欺是諸佛、世尊——諸不可計無央數、不可思議無量世界中諸佛、天中天今現在說法者。
"Indeed, World-Honored One. If I vow to attain all-knowing wisdom, truly aspiring to the supreme, perfect Path, but do not consistently teach the Dharma in every lifetime; do not always serve as a Dharma teacher; do not speak without hindrance and with brilliant conduct; do not possess immeasurable and brilliant wisdom; do not always practice alms-begging as a renunciant—up to the moment of attaining supreme enlightenment—then I would be deceiving all these Buddhas and World-Honored Ones, the countless, infinite, inconceivable Buddhas in immeasurable worlds, including the World-Honored Ones who are presently teaching the Dharma.
「『唯，天中天！我發是薩芸若意，審如是願為無上正真道者，世世作沙門已不常在樹下坐、世世不常精進行三事。何等三？一者、經行，二者、坐，三者、住。世世若發意念罪本、妄語欺人、誹謗讒言、世世為女人說法及食飲因緣、若起想著笑為說法者，乃至成最正覺，我為欺是諸佛、世尊——諸不可計無央數、不可思議無量世界中諸佛、天中天今現在說法者。
"World-Honored One, I have awakened this resolve for all-knowing wisdom. If this aspiration truly seeks the supreme, right, and complete path, then in every lifetime as a renunciant, I will not always dwell beneath trees, nor always practice the three pursuits—walking meditation, sitting meditation, and standing meditation. If, in any life, I think of the roots of transgression, speak falsely, deceive others, slander or spread gossip, teach women in exchange for food and drink, allow thoughts of attachment and smiles to arise when teaching—until I achieve perfect enlightenment—then I would be deceiving all the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones, present now in countless, measureless, inconceivable, and boundless worlds."
「『唯，天中天！我發是薩芸若意，審如是願為無上正真道者，世世若舉手說法、世世見餘菩薩不發佛心、世世若發意念供養外異道人、捨諸如來、世世若在坐上聽法，乃至成最正覺，我為欺是諸佛、世尊——諸不可計無央數、不可思議無量世界中諸佛、天中天今現在說法者。
"Only, Heaven-honored One! If I bring forth the resolve for this perfect wisdom — truly vowing to reach the unsurpassed, right, and true Way — yet in life after life I raise my hand to teach the Dharma, see other bodhisattvas and fail to awaken the Buddha-mind, give rise to thoughts of making offerings to non-Buddhist teachers, turn away from the Tathagatas, or sit in the assembly to hear the Dharma without fulfilling it up to the ultimate attainment of the highest enlightenment — then I would be deceiving these Buddhas and World-honored Ones: the countless, immeasurable, inconceivable, infinite Buddhas who presently teach the Dharma in worlds beyond number, Heaven-honored Ones now dwelling among them."
「『唯，天中天！我發是薩芸若意，審如是願為無上正真道者，世世若發意念：「我當布施與某、不布施與某。」世世若發意念：「我當於某處立福施、於某處不立福施。」世世若發意念：「我常持法施與某、不持法施與某。」世世見孤窮用其人故不分身命，乃至成最正覺，我為欺是諸佛、世尊——諸不可計無央數、不可思議無量世界中諸佛、天中天今現在說法者。
"Listen, O Most Honored One. If I, having generated the aspiration for omniscience, have truly sworn to attain supreme enlightenment, yet in any lifetime I ever think: 'I will give to this person, but not to that one'; or think: 'I will plant blessings at this place, but not at that'; or think: 'I will always offer the gift of Dharma to this person, but not to that one'; or if, seeing the poor and destitute, I fail to sacrifice my own body and life for their sake until I achieve complete awakening — then I would be deceiving all the Buddhas and World-Honored Ones who are presently teaching the Dharma throughout the countless, immeasurable, boundless worlds."
「『唯，天中天！我發是薩芸若意，審如是願為無上正真道者，我世世於諸菩薩所意無有異，至無上正真最正覺也。』」
"Only, O Lord of Devas! When I bring forth this mind of the Prajñāpāramitā and truly make this vow toward the Unsurpassed, Perfect, and True Enlightenment, may I, life after life, hold no different intention toward all bodhisattvas, until I attain the Unsurpassed, Perfect, and True Enlightenment."
佛語舍利弗：「爾時，其比丘如是，如來、無所著、等正覺為作保任。若如來為作保任者，諸天、阿須倫、世間人民亦為作保任。爾時，大目如來為作保任，時諸天、阿須倫、世間人民亦為作保任。」
The Buddha said to Shariputra: "At that time, that monk was thus assured by the Tathagata, the Unattached, the Fully Enlightened One. And when the Tathagata gives his assurance, the devas, asuras, and the people of the world also give their assurance. At that time, Great Jambu Tathagata gave his assurance, and the devas, asuras, and the people of the world also gave their assurance."
佛言：「若復有比丘菩薩摩訶薩以是色像僧那求無上正真道者，皆當成無上正真道最正覺也。」
The Buddha said: "If there is a monk or a Bodhisattva-mahasattva who, with such an appearance and intention, seeks the unsurpassed, right and perfect path, all of them will surely attain the supreme and complete enlightenment."
佛語舍利弗：「其阿閦菩薩白大目如來、無所著等正覺：『唯，天中天！我發是薩芸若意，審如是願為無上正真道者，令我成最正覺時，其剎所有比丘、比丘尼、優婆塞、優婆夷若有罪惡者及讒罪惡者，我為欺是諸佛、世尊——諸不可計無央數、不可思議無量世界中諸佛、天中天今現在說法者。
The Buddha said to Shariputra: "The Bodhisattva Akshobhya said to Great Tathagata, the Unattached, Fully and Perfectly Enlightened One: 'O Blessed One, Heaven of Heavens! I have generated this mind of omniscience. If this Vow of mine is genuine — that I am bound for the unsurpassed, true, and perfect Path to Cessation — then when I attain the highest, perfect Enlightenment, should there be any monks, nuns, laymen, or laywomen in my buddha-field who have committed evil deeds, or who are accused of evil deeds, I would thereby be deceiving all the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones — all the countless, innumerable, inconceivable, immeasurable Buddhas in worlds throughout measureless worlds, the Heaven of Heavens, who now are present and teaching the Dharma.
「『復次，天中天！我當修行乃至成無上正真道最正覺，令我佛剎諸弟子一切皆無有罪惡者，我當修佛道至令佛剎嚴淨。
"Furthermore, Devatideva, I will engage in spiritual practice until I attain unsurpassed, true, and perfect enlightenment, the highest awakening. I will cultivate the Buddha Path so that all disciples in my Buddha-field are entirely free of wrongdoing, and so that my Buddha-field becomes utterly pure and adorned.
「『唯，天中天！我發是薩芸若意，審如是願為無上正真道者，我若於夢中失精，乃至成最正覺，我為欺是諸佛、世尊——諸不可計無央數、不可思議無量世界中諸佛、天中天今現在說法者。
"Indeed, O Lord of the Devas! If I have set my mind on the wisdom of the Bodhisattva path, and if I have truly made such a vow for supreme, perfect enlightenment—then should I, even in a dream, lose my vital essence, and should this happen all the way until I attain the highest, most perfect enlightenment, I would be deceiving all the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones—the countless, immeasurable, inconceivable, infinite Buddhas, Lords of the Devas, in worlds beyond number, who are now present and teaching the Dharma.
「『復次，天中天！我當修行乃至成無上正真道最正覺，令我佛剎中諸菩薩出家為道者於夢中不失精。
"Furthermore, Devas and Humans' Teacher, I will engage in spiritual practice until I attain supreme, true awakening, the most perfect enlightenment, so that the bodhisattvas who leave home for the path in my Buddha-field may not lose their essential energy even in dreams.
「『唯，天中天！我發是薩芸若意，審如是願為無上正真道者，世間母人有諸惡露，我成最正覺時我佛剎中母人有諸惡露者，我為欺是諸佛、世尊——諸不可計無央數、不可思議無量世界中諸佛、天中天今現在說法者。』
"Only, O Lord of Devas, when I have formed this intention for the wisdom of the Bodhisattva path, if I truly make this vow for peerless perfect enlightenment — since women in the world have bodily impurities — if, when I attain the highest perfect awakening, there should be women with bodily impurities in my Buddha-field, then I would be deceiving all the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones — the countless, immeasurable, inconceivable, boundless Buddhas, Lords of Devas in worlds throughout the ten directions, who are now present and teaching the Dharma."
「是為菩薩法事如意所念行，佛亦為如應說法。」
"This is the bodhisattva's Dharma practice of acting in accordance with his intentions, and the Buddha likewise teaches the Dharma in accordance with what is fitting."
佛語舍利弗：「爾時，有一比丘謂阿閦菩薩摩訶薩乃作是結願：『若使不退轉者，當以右指案地令大震動。』
The Buddha said to Shariputra: "At that time, there was a monk who said of Akshobhya Bodhisattva Mahasattva that he made this vow: 'If I am truly irreversible, then by pressing my right finger on the ground, may the whole earth quake greatly.'"
「爾時，阿閦菩薩應時承佛威神、自蒙高明力乃令地六反震動。阿閦菩薩摩訶薩所感動，如語無有異也。」
At that time, the bodhisattva Akshobhya, by the sustaining power of the Buddha and through the great and luminous power that he himself had received, caused the earth to quake in six ways. Such was the stirring brought about by the bodhisattva mahasattva Akshobhya — his words were exactly as spoken, without any deviation.
佛語舍利弗：「若有菩薩欲成無上正真道最正覺者，當學阿閦菩薩摩訶薩行。菩薩摩訶薩以學阿閦菩薩行者，不久亦當即取佛剎土，當復成無上正真道最正覺也。」
The Buddha said to Shariputra: "If a bodhisattva wishes to attain the supreme, true, and most perfect enlightenment, they should study the practice of the bodhisattva-mahasattva Akshobhya. A bodhisattva-mahasattva who studies the practice of Akshobhya will before long also obtain a buddha-field and will likewise attain the supreme, true, and most perfect enlightenment."
爾時，賢者舍利弗問佛言：「天中天！阿閦菩薩摩訶薩初發意時，有幾何天在會中？」
At that time, the venerable Shariputra asked the Buddha: "God of Gods, when the bodhisattva mahasattva Akshobhya first aroused the intention to attain enlightenment, how many devas were present in that assembly?"
佛告舍利弗：「阿閦菩薩初發意學時，三千大千世界中四天王天、帝釋及憋魔、梵三鉢一切皆向阿閦菩薩叉手說是語：『昔所不聞是僧那。』
The Buddha said to Shariputra: "When Akshobhya Bodhisattva first set his mind on the path of practice, the Four Heavenly Kings, Shakra, and Mara, as well as Brahma and the Three Palaces—all of them in the three-thousand great-thousand worlds—faced Akshobhya Bodhisattva with palms pressed together and said: 'Never before have we heard such a vow of a bodhisattva.'"
「諸天聞以便說言：『阿閦菩薩成無上正真道，若有人生其佛剎者，是人福德不小也。』」
The devas, hearing this, then spoke: "Ashukta Bodhisattva has attained the supreme, perfect, and true path of enlightenment. If anyone is born in that Buddha's realm, that person's merit is by no means small."
賢者舍利弗白佛言：「未曾聞餘菩薩摩訶薩以是色像學僧那，我亦不見亦不聞如阿閦菩薩摩訶薩及天中天為作如是之名。」
The wise Shariputra said to the Buddha: "I have never heard of any other bodhisattva mahasattva who has taken up the spiritual endeavor under such a form and appearance. Nor have I ever seen or heard of such a name as that of the bodhisattva mahasattva Akshobhya, the god of gods."
佛言：「如是也。舍利弗！少有菩薩摩訶薩以是色像學僧那及無上正真道如阿閦菩薩摩訶薩。於是，舍利弗！陂陀劫中，諸菩薩摩訶薩其德不及阿閦菩薩摩訶薩之功德也。」
The Buddha said: "That is so, Shariputra. There are few bodhisattvas mahasattvas who train in the armor and the unsurpassed true path with such a form and appearance as the bodhisattva mahasattva Akshobhya. Therefore, Shariputra, in the Bhadra kalpa, the bodhisattvas mahasattvas there will not match the merit of the bodhisattva mahasattva Akshobhya."
佛語舍利弗：「爾時，其大目如來、無所著、等正覺授阿閦菩薩無上正真道決：『汝為當來佛，號阿閦如來、無所著、等正覺，成慧之行而為師父，安定世間無上大人，為法之御，天上天下尊，佛、天中天。亦如提洹竭佛授我決。』」
The Buddha said to Shariputra: "At that time, the Tathagata Great Eye, the Unattached, the Fully Awakened, gave the Bodhisattva Akshobhya the prediction of supreme true enlightenment: 'You shall be a Buddha in the future, with the name Akshobhya Tathagata, the Unattached, the Fully Awakened, accomplished in the practice of wisdom and acting as a teacher, bringing peace to the world as the supreme great being, the guide of the Dharma, honored among gods and humans, a Buddha, the highest among gods.' Just as the Tathagata Dipankara gave the prediction to me."
時佛語舍利弗：「大目如來授阿閦菩薩摩訶薩無上正真道決時，其三千大千世界皆為大明；譬我亦如是，授無上正真道決時，其三千大千世界皆為大明。
At that time the Buddha said to Shariputra: "When Great-Eyes Tathagata gave Akshobhya Bodhisattva Mahasattva the prediction of supreme, truly perfect enlightenment, the entire three-thousand great-thousand world system was filled with great light. Just so with me: when I give the prediction of supreme, truly perfect enlightenment, the entire three-thousand great-thousand world system is filled with great light."
「復次，舍利弗！其阿閦菩薩摩訶薩成無上正真道最正覺、得薩芸若慧時，其三千大千世界六反震動；譬我亦如是，成無上正真道、得薩芸慧時，三千大千世界為六反震動。
"Furthermore, Shariputra, when the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Akshobhya attained the supreme, true, and perfect enlightenment and gained the wisdom of all-knowing, the three-thousand great-thousandfold world system shook in six ways. Just as in my own case, when I attained the supreme, true, and perfect enlightenment and gained the wisdom of all-knowing, the three-thousand great-thousandfold world system shook in six ways."
「復次，舍利弗！阿閦菩薩摩訶薩授無上正真道決時，是三千大千世界中諸藥、樹木一切皆自曲低向阿閦菩薩作禮；譬我亦如是，成無上正真道最正覺、得薩芸若慧時，是三千大千世界諸藥、樹木一切皆自曲低向我作禮。
"Furthermore, Shariputra, when the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Akshobhya was given the prophecy of supreme, perfect enlightenment, all the medicinal plants and trees throughout this three-thousand great-thousandfold world bent down low of their own accord and paid homage to Bodhisattva Akshobhya. In the same way, when I too attain supreme, perfect enlightenment—the highest, true awakening—and gain the wisdom of all-knowing, all the medicinal plants and trees throughout this three-thousand great-thousandfold world will bend down low of their own accord and pay homage to me."
「復次，舍利弗！其大目如來、無所著、等正覺授阿閦菩薩摩訶薩無上正真道決時，其三千大千世界中諸天、龍、鬼神、揵沓惒、阿須倫、迦留羅、真陀羅、摩休勒一切皆向阿閦菩薩叉手而作禮；譬我亦如是，成無上正真道最正覺、得薩芸若慧時，三千大千世界諸天、龍、鬼神、揵陀羅、阿須倫、迦留羅、真陀羅、摩睺勒皆向我叉手作禮。
"Furthermore, Shariputra, when the Tathagata Great Eyes, the Unattached, the Fully Enlightened One, bestowed upon the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Akshobhya the prediction of supreme true enlightenment, all the devas, nagas, spirits, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kinnaras, and mahoragas in the three-thousand great-thousandfold world all faced Akshobhya Bodhisattva, joined their palms together, and paid homage. Just as I too, when I attain supreme true enlightenment, the utmost perfect awakening, and gain the wisdom of sarvajña, all the devas, nagas, spirits, gandharvas, asuras, garudas, kinnaras, and mahoragas in the three-thousand great-thousandfold world will all face me, join their palms together, and pay homage."
「復次，舍利弗！其大目如來、無所著、等正覺授阿閦菩薩摩訶薩無上正真道決時，遍三千大千世界諸妊身女人皆安隱產、盲者得視、聾者得聽；譬我亦如是，成無上正真道最正覺、得薩芸若慧時，是三千大千世界諸妊身女人皆安隱產、盲者得視、聾者得聽。
"Furthermore, Shariputra, when the Tathāgata Great Eye, the Unattached One, the Perfectly Enlightened One, gave Akshobhya Bodhisattva Mahasattva the prediction of supreme true enlightenment, throughout the three-thousand great-thousand world system, all pregnant women gave birth safely, the blind gained sight, and the deaf gained hearing. Just as in my case likewise, when I attain supreme true enlightenment, the highest perfect awakening, and gain the wisdom of all-knowing, throughout this three-thousand great-thousand world system, all pregnant women will give birth safely, the blind will gain sight, and the deaf will gain hearing."
「復次，舍利弗！大目如來、無所著、等正覺授阿閦菩薩摩訶薩無上正真道決時，遍三千大千世界中人非人皆燒香；譬我亦如是，成無上正真道最正覺、得薩芸若慧時，遍三千大千世界中人非人皆燒香。」
"Furthermore, Shariputra, when Great Eye Tathagata, the Unattached, the Fully Enlightened One, gave Akshobhya Bodhisattva Mahasattva the prediction of supreme perfect enlightenment, all humans and non-humans throughout the three-thousand great-thousand world system burned incense. In the same way, when I attain supreme perfect enlightenment and gain the wisdom of all-knowledge, all humans and non-humans throughout the three-thousand great-thousand world system will burn incense."
賢者舍利弗白佛言：「阿閦菩薩摩訶薩乃有是無極之德。」
The wise Shariputra said to the Buddha: "The Bodhisattva Mahasattva Akshobhya truly possesses such boundless virtue."
佛告舍利弗：「阿閦菩薩摩訶薩不但有功德，不獨大目如來授其決，如是不可稱說無央數功德得度無極。
The Buddha told Shariputra: "The Bodhisattva Mahasattva Akshobhya did not merely possess merit, and it was not only Great Eye Tathagata who bestowed the prophecy upon him; in this way, his immeasurable and countless merits brought him across to the ultimate beyond.
「復次，舍利弗！大目如來授阿閦菩薩摩訶薩無上正真道決時，諸天、阿須倫、世間人其意皆安隱，悉得其時；譬我亦如是，成無上正真道最正覺、得薩芸若慧時，諸天、阿脩羅、世間人意皆得安隱，悉得其時。
"Furthermore, Shariputra, when Great Eye Tathagata gave Akshobhya Bodhisattva Mahasattva the prediction of supreme perfect enlightenment, the minds of the devas, asuras, and people of the world all became peaceful and secure, and all obtained their proper time. Just as in my own case, when I attain supreme perfect enlightenment, the most perfect awakening, and gain the wisdom of all-knowing, the minds of the devas, asuras, and people of the world will all become peaceful and secure, and all will obtain their proper time."
「復次，舍利弗！其大目如來授阿閦菩薩摩訶薩無上正真道決時，和夷羅、鬼神常隨後護之：譬我亦如是，成無上正真道最正覺、得薩芸若慧時，和夷羅、鬼神常隨我後行。
"Furthermore, Shariputra, when Great Eyes Tathagata conferred upon Akshobhya Bodhisattva Mahasattva the prophecy of Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, the Hemavata spirit-deities always followed and protected him — just as they also always follow behind me, now that I have attained Supreme Perfect Enlightenment, the utmost true awakening, and gained the wisdom of all-encompassing knowledge."
「復次，舍利弗！大目如來授阿閦菩薩摩訶薩無上正真道最正覺、得薩芸若慧時，諸天、阿脩羅、世間人，以天華、天香供養之；譬我亦如是，成無上正真道最正覺、得薩芸若慧時，諸天、阿脩羅、世間人，以天華、天香來供養。
"Furthermore, Shariputra, when Great-Eyed Tathagata bestowed upon Akshobhya Bodhisattva Mahasattva the prediction of supreme true enlightenment, the most perfect awakening, and the attainment of the wisdom of all-knowing—at that time, devas, asuras, and people of the world honored him with celestial flowers and celestial incense. Just so, when I too attain supreme true enlightenment, the most perfect awakening, and the wisdom of all-knowing, devas, asuras, and people of the world will come to honor me with celestial flowers and celestial incense."
「復次，舍利弗！大目如來授阿閦菩薩摩訶薩無上正真道決時，二十億人及三十億諸天發無上正真道意，大目如來、無所著等正覺皆授其決。
"Furthermore, Shariputra, when Great Eyes Buddha gave Akshobhya Bodhisattva Mahasattva the prediction of supreme true enlightenment, two billion people and three billion devas brought forth the intention for supreme true enlightenment, and Great Eyes Buddha, the Unsurpassed One, the Rightly Enlightened One, gave them all predictions."
「復次，舍利弗！大目如來、無所著、等正覺授阿閦菩薩摩訶薩無上正真道決時，其地大動，自然生優鉢華、蓮華、拘文華、分陀利華布其地；譬我亦如是，成無上正真道最正覺、得薩芸若慧時，大地自然生優鉢華、蓮華、拘文華、分陀利華布其地。
"Furthermore, Shariputra, when Great Eyes Tathagata, the Unattached, the Fully Enlightened One, gave the prediction of supreme perfect enlightenment to the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Akshobhya, the earth shook greatly, and utpala flowers, lotus flowers, kumuda flowers, and pundarika flowers naturally appeared and covered the ground. Just as in my own case: when I attain supreme perfect enlightenment, the highest true awakening, and gain the wisdom of the all-knowing, the great earth will naturally produce utpala flowers, lotus flowers, kumuda flowers, and pundarika flowers covering the ground."
「復次，舍利弗！大目如來、無所著、等正覺授阿閦菩薩摩訶薩無上正真道決時，若干百天人、若干千天人、若干百千諸天人住於虛空，以天衣用散阿閦菩薩上，即說是言：『菩薩摩訶薩當度，成無上正真道最正覺也。』
"Furthermore, Shariputra, when Great Eye Tathagata, the Unattached, the Fully Enlightened One, gave the prediction of supreme perfect enlightenment to the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Aksobhya, several hundreds of devas and humans, several thousands of devas and humans, several hundreds of thousands of devas and humans, dwelling in the sky, scattered heavenly garments over Aksobhya the Bodhisattva and spoke these words: 'The Bodhisattva Mahasattva will cross over and attain supreme perfect enlightenment, the most perfect awakening.'"
「復次，舍利弗！大目如來授阿閦菩薩摩訶薩無上正真道決，爾時諸天、阿須羅、世間人民相愛劇父母哀其子；譬我亦如是，成無上正真道最正覺時，諸天、阿脩羅、世間人民相愛劇父母哀其子也。
"Furthermore, Shariputra, when Great Eyes Tathagata gave the prediction of supreme perfect enlightenment to the bodhisattva mahasattva Akshobhya, at that time the devas, asuras, and worldly people loved him intensely, as parents cherish their child. In the same way, when I attain supreme perfect enlightenment and highest true awakening, the devas, asuras, and worldly people will love me intensely, as parents cherish their child.
「復次，舍利弗！大目如來授阿閦菩薩摩訶薩無上正真道決時，其三千大千世界中諸天及人民，承佛威神皆聞授阿閦菩薩決。
"Furthermore, Shariputra, when the Tathagata Great Eye bestowed upon the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Akshobhya the prediction of supreme, true, and perfect enlightenment, all the celestial beings and human beings throughout the three thousand great thousand worlds, by the Buddha's majestic spiritual power, heard the prediction being given to the Bodhisattva Akshobhya."
「如是，舍利弗！昔授菩薩決時，其此國中人民一心布施，為福德快飲食，若有求索者已所喜而施與。譬我亦如是，成無上正真道最正覺時，是三千大千世界中諸天及人民皆承佛威神聞授決時。如是，舍利弗！昔此國中人民一心布施，為福德快飲食，若有求索者已所喜而施與。
“Thus, Shariputra, when the prediction of Buddhahood was bestowed upon the Bodhisattva in the past, the people in that land were single-minded in generosity, giving gladly for the sake of merit and good food, and whatever a seeker asked for, they gave freely according to what pleased them. It is just like this for me as well: when I attain supreme, perfect enlightenment, the most perfect awakening, all the devas and humans throughout the three-thousand great thousand-fold world system—by the Buddha’s spiritual power—will hear the bestowal of the prediction. Thus, Shariputra, in the past the people in that land were single-minded in generosity, giving gladly for the sake of merit and good food, and whatever a seeker asked for, they gave freely according to what pleased them.”
「復次，舍利弗！其大目如來授阿閦菩薩摩訶薩無上正覺道決時，諸欲界天悉鼓天伎樂供養。
"Furthermore, Shariputra, when Great Eyes Tathagata bestowed upon Akashagarbha Bodhisattva Mahasattva the prediction of supreme perfect enlightenment, all the gods of the realm of desire played celestial music as an offering.
「舍利弗！是阿閦菩薩摩訶薩授決時之功德行。」
"Shariputra! These are the practices of merit of the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Akshobhya at the time he received his prediction."
賢者舍利弗白佛言：「難及，天中天！如來、無所著、正覺誠諦說之——不可思議諸佛佛之境界、不可思議諸神神之境界、不可思議諸龍龍之境界。不可思議諸龍之境界——乃從阿閦菩薩摩訶薩初發意學受得此功德。天中天！是阿閦菩薩摩訶薩授決時亦不可思議。」
The wise Shariputra said to the Buddha: "How hard it is to reach, O Blessed One! The Tathagata, the Unattached, the Fully Enlightened One has truly and faithfully taught this—the inconceivable realm of the Buddhas, the inconceivable realm of the deities, the inconceivable realm of the nagas. The inconceivable realm of the nagas—it is from Akshobhya Bodhisattva Mahasattva, when he first set his mind on enlightenment and began to learn, that this merit was obtained. O Blessed One, when Akshobhya Bodhisattva Mahasattva received his prophecy of future enlightenment, that too was inconceivable."
是時賢者阿難謂賢者舍利弗：「阿閦菩薩摩訶薩初發意學僧那及得號如是也？」
At that time, the venerable Ananda said to the venerable Shariputra: "Was it thus that Akshobhya Bodhisattva Mahasattva first set his mind on enlightenment, studied the vow of the bodhisattva path, and then obtained his name?"
舍利弗謂阿難言：「是皆有因緣所致，阿閦菩薩摩訶薩初發意學僧那及德號，今佛當廣解說之。」
Shariputra said to Ananda: "All of this comes about through causes and conditions. The Buddha will now explain in detail how Akshobhya Bodhisattva Mahasattva first formed the intention to learn the vow and the name of virtue."
時佛告舍利弗言：「阿閦菩薩初發是意時可令虛空有異，我所結願不可使有異，被僧那僧涅乃如是。」
Then the Buddha said to Shariputra: "Even if the sky itself could change, the vow I have formed could not change. Such was the armor of his vow, his commitment to the path."
佛語舍利弗：「如阿閦菩薩摩訶薩所被僧那僧涅，寶英菩薩摩訶薩亦從阿閦菩薩學行。舍利弗！無央數菩薩不能及知阿閦菩薩所被僧那僧涅甚堅積累德行乃如是。
The Buddha said to Shariputra: "Just as the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Akshobhya undertook his armor and his vows, so too did the Bodhisattva Mahasattva Treasure Splendor (Baoying) learn and practice from Bodhisattva Akshobhya. Shariputra, countless bodhisattvas cannot even fathom the armor and vows undertaken by Akshobhya—so firm, so deeply accumulated were his virtuous practices, to such an extent.
「舍利弗！其阿閦菩薩以成無上正真道也，最正覺，今現在阿比羅提世界。
"Shariputra! That Bodhisattva Akshobhya has attained unsurpassed true and correct Enlightenment, the highest perfect awakening, and is presently living in the world of Abhirati.
「阿閦如來、無所著、等正覺行菩薩道時，世世人求手足、及頭、目、肌肉，終不逆人意也。
"When Aksobhya Tathagata, the Worthy One, the Fully Awakened One, was practicing the Bodhisattva path, in life after life people sought his hands, feet, head, eyes, and flesh, and he never once went against anyone's wish."
「舍利弗！阿閦如來從初發意至成無上正真道最正覺，不中有頭痛，亦無風氣、上隔之病。舍利弗！是阿閦如來、無所著、等正覺昔行菩薩道時甚難及、未曾有之法。
"Shariputra! From the time Akshobhya Tathagata first set his mind on enlightenment until he attained supreme, perfect, and complete awakening, he never once suffered a headache, nor did he ever have illnesses of wind, or of blockage in the upper body. Shariputra! This Akshobhya Tathagata, the Unattached, the Perfectly Awakened One, when he formerly practiced the Bodhisattva path, accomplished things extremely hard to match and without precedent.
「阿閦如來昔行菩薩道時，世世見如來，一切常奉梵行，世世亦作，是名阿閦菩薩從一佛剎復遊一佛剎，所至到處目常見諸天中天生於彼。」
"Akshobhya Tathagata, when he formerly practiced the Bodhisattva path, saw the Tathagata life after life, and always and in every life upheld the pure holy life. This is how it is said that the Bodhisattva Akshobhya, passing from one Buddha-field and journeying on to another Buddha-field, wherever he arrived, with his own eyes always beheld the celestial beings of the heavens and was born among them."
佛言：「舍利弗！譬如轉輪王得天下，所從一觀復至一觀足未曾蹈地，所至常以五樂自娛，得自在至盡壽。如是，舍利弗！阿閦如來行菩薩道行，世世常自見如來、無所著、等正覺、常修梵行，於彼所說法時一切皆行度無極，少有行弟子道。彼所行度無極為說法——有立於佛道者便勸助為現正，令歡喜踊躍，皆令修無上正真道——便發是大尊意：『彼說法時，諸所德本以願持作無上正真道。我持是德本願無上正真道成最正覺時說法，令我佛剎中諸菩薩摩訶薩，佛說法時承佛威神皆受、諷誦、持之。諷誦已，是諸菩薩摩訶薩從一佛剎復遊一佛剎，意常樂諸佛、天中天，至成無上正真道最正覺。我亦如是，從一佛剎復遊一佛剎，即住於兜術天得一生補處之法。』」
The Buddha said: "Shariputra, suppose a wheel-turning king gains dominion over the world. From one point he surveys to the next, yet his feet never touch the ground; wherever he goes, he always amuses himself with the five pleasures, enjoying freedom until the end of his life. In the same way, Shariputra, when Akṣobhya Tathāgata practiced the Bodhisattva path, life after life he always personally encountered Tathāgatas, the Unattached, the Fully Enlightened Ones, and always cultivated the pure life. When those Buddhas taught the Dharma, all [the Bodhisattvas] practiced the boundless path of deliverance; few practiced the path of disciples. Those who practiced the boundless path of deliverance did so for the sake of teaching the Dharma — those established on the Buddha path he encouraged and supported, revealing what is right, causing them to rejoice and leap with joy, leading them all to cultivate the supreme, true path — and thus he brought forth this great and revered intention: 'When those Buddhas teach the Dharma, whatever roots of merit there are, I vow to dedicate them to the supreme, true path. By these roots of merit, when I attain the supreme, true path and become fully and perfectly enlightened and teach the Dharma, may all the Bodhisattvas Mahāsattvas in my Buddha-field, when the Buddha teaches the Dharma, receive, recite, and uphold it through the Buddha's awesome spiritual power. Having recited and upheld it, may these Bodhisattvas Mahāsattvas journey from one Buddha-field to another, their minds always delighting in the Buddhas, the Devas above Devas, until they attain the supreme, true path and highest, perfect enlightenment. May I likewise journey from one Buddha-field to another, and there dwell in the Tuṣita Heaven, attaining the state of one-life-dwelling Bodhisattvas.'"
佛復語舍利弗：「如是，諸菩薩摩訶薩從兜術天自以神力下入母腹中，從右脇生。菩薩生墮地時，地為大動，以修行有是應。菩薩在母腹中時都無有臭處、亦無惡露、亦無不可意。」
The Buddha again said to Shariputra: "So it is—these Bodhisattvas, great beings, descend from the Tushita Heaven by their own spiritual power and enter their mother's womb, and are born from her right side. When the Bodhisattva is born and touches the ground, the earth shakes greatly; this is the response that comes from their spiritual practice. While the Bodhisattva is in the mother's womb, there is no foulness at all, no impure discharge, and nothing unpleasant."
時佛語舍利弗：「譬如神通比丘若入絞露精舍，於虛空中遊行周匝，虛空中行於絞露精舍無所觸礙。如是，舍利弗！菩薩入母腹中時，如在虛空中遊觀周匝，無所觸礙、亦無臭處。其阿閦如來昔行菩薩道時如是；我亦如是，行無上正真道時一切皆破壞魔事，我如是成無上正真道最正覺。
At that time the Buddha said to Shariputra: "Suppose a monk with supernormal powers enters a shelter open to the sky, and walks all around in the open air. Walking in the open air, he meets no obstruction in that shelter. In the same way, Shariputra, when a bodhisattva enters his mother's womb, it is like walking and gazing all around in open space — nothing obstructs him, and there is no foulness. Akshobhya Tathagata was like this long ago when he practiced the bodhisattva path; I too was like this. While I practiced the supreme true path, all the works of Mara were destroyed, and so I attained the supreme true path, the highest perfect awakening.
「阿閦佛剎求菩薩道及弟子道者皆破壞諸惡、降伏眾魔，一切皆盡，其佛剎人民不復作魔事：『我當修是佛道至得出家學道。』」
"In Akṣobhya Buddha's realm, those who seek the Bodhisattva path and the disciple's path all defeat all that is evil, subdue all demons, and bring everything to an end. The people in that Buddha's realm no longer do the work of demons: 'I will cultivate this Buddha path until I attain the going forth and study the path.'"
佛語舍利弗：「阿閦如來、無所著、等正覺昔行菩薩道聽說法時，其身不生疲極、意亦不念疲極。舍利弗！阿閦如來昔求菩薩道，聽說法時：『如是好法，令我佛剎中諸菩薩摩訶薩好法如是。』」
The Buddha said to Shariputra: "When Akshobhya Tathagata, the Unattached, the Fully Enlightened One, was formerly practicing the Bodhisattva path and listened to the teaching of the Dharma, his body never grew weary, nor did his mind ever think of weariness. Shariputra, when Akshobhya Tathagata formerly sought the Bodhisattva path and listened to the teaching of the Dharma, he thought: 'May such excellent Dharma cause the Bodhisattvas Mahasattvas in my Buddha-field to have excellent Dharma such as this.'"