大唐龍興三藏聖教序
Preface to the Sacred Teachings of the Tripitaka at the Great Tang Dragon Rise Temple
中宗孝皇帝製
Imperial Preface by Emperor Zhongzong Xiaohuang
蓋聞蒼蒼者天，列星辰而著象；茫茫者地，奠川嶽以成形。仰觀天文，既如彼也，俯循地理，又若斯焉。
Heaven, vast and blue, sets stars and constellations in place. Earth, vast and wide, establishes rivers and peaks in form. Look up to observe celestial patterns—such is its way. Look down to follow earthly formations—such is its shape.
夫以妙旨幽微，名言之路攸絕；真如湛寂，性相之義都捐。然則發啟心聾，資法雷之激響；獎導迷眾，俟覺首以司方。故知假名不壞於常名，樂說乃詮於無說。至若象外之象，獨稱三界之尊；天中之天，爰著六通之聖。法王利見，孕育於七十二君；梵帝乘時，牢籠於萬八千歲。周星閱彩，言符降誕之徵；漢日流祥，載叶通神之夢。故能威揚沙劫，化被塵區，玉毫舒耀而除昏，金口弘宣而遣滯。破煩惱之賊，詎藉干戈？壞生死之軍，惟憑慧力。闢圓明之界，廣納於無邊；開常樂之門，普該於有識。縱使浮天欲浪，境風息而俄澄；漲日情塵，法雨霑而便廓。
The profound truth is so subtle that words cannot reach it; true suchness is utterly still, beyond all concepts of form and essence. Yet, to awaken the spiritually deaf, the thunder of Dharma must resound; to guide the lost, a leader who sees clearly must show the way. Thus we know that conventional names do not hinder the Eternal Name, and joyful explanation interprets what is ultimately inexpressible.
Consider the form beyond all forms—alone honored as the Sovereign of the Three Realms; the heaven above heavens, revered as the Saint of Six Supernatural Powers. The Dharma King appeared for the world’s benefit, born within the cycle of seventy-two rulers; the Brahma Lord seized his time, encompassing eighteen thousand years. The constellations shone with splendor, fulfilling the signs of his descent; the Han dynasty witnessed auspicious light, a dream that revealed the divine. Thus his majesty spread over countless eons, his transformation reaching every dusty realm. The jade-like hair radiated light to dispel ignorance; the golden mouth proclaimed the Dharma to remove obstacles. To conquer the thieves of affliction, what need of weapons? To destroy the army of birth and death, only the power of wisdom suffices. He opened the realm of perfect brightness, embracing all without limit; he opened the gate of eternal joy, covering all beings with awareness. Even if the waves of desire flood the sky, once the wind of sensory experiences calms, they clear; even if the dust of emotion darkens the sun, once the rain of Dharma falls, it clears away.
歸依者，銷殃而致福；迴向者，去危而獲安。可謂巍巍乎其有神功，蕩蕩乎而無能名者矣！但四生蠢蠢，未悟無常；六趣悠悠，俱纏有結。詎知空華不實，水月非堅！馳逐於五陰之中，播遷於三界之域，納諸品彙，終俟法門。
Take refuge, and calamities dissolve as blessings arise; Dedicate merits, and danger recedes as safety follows. Thus it is truly sublime—its spiritual power vast, Boundless, beyond all name and form!
Yet the four kinds of beings, in their ignorance, Have not awakened to impermanence; The six realms of existence, endlessly drifting, Are all bound by attachments. How could they know that flowers in the sky have no substance, Or that the moon in water is never solid? Chasing illusions through the five aggregates, Wandering lost within the three realms— They must, through countless forms, At last enter the Dharma gate.
自白馬西來，玄言東被，世尊則隨類敷演，眾生乃逐性開迷。馬鳴擅美於瓊編，龍樹騰芳於寶偈。於是遙通震旦，遠布閻浮。半滿之教區分，大小之乘並騖。澄安俊德，接武於譯場；林遠高人，駢踪於法宇。遂使微言著範，歷千古而暢英聲；至𦣱流規，周十方而騰茂實。
Since the white horse carried the sutras westward, and profound teachings spread eastward, the World-Honored One tailored his explanations to different capacities, and sentient beings, according to their natures, awakened from confusion. Ashvaghosha excelled in elegant texts, Nagarjuna flourished in precious verses. Thus, these teachings reached China far away and spread throughout the world. The doctrines of the incomplete and the complete were distinguished, and the paths of the Great and Small Vehicles advanced side by side. Masters like Sramana Cheng and An Shigao, with their noble virtue, followed in succession at the translation halls; eminent monks such as Huiyuan and Daolin, in their profound wisdom, gathered in the Dharma precincts. As a result, the subtle words established a model, resounding through the ages with glorious fame; the ultimate truth spread as a standard, circulating in all directions with flourishing splendor.
頃屬後周膺運，大扇魔風，遂使天下招提咸從毀廢，寰中法侶並混編甿。嗟乎！閴寂禪居，空留宴坐之處；荒凉慧苑，無復經行之蹤。爰洎開皇，重將修建，旋逢大業，又遇分崩。鬼哭神吟，山鳴海沸，既遭塗炭，寧有伽藍？正法消淪，邪見增長，於是人迷覺路，邅迴於苦集之區，俗蔽真宗，覇絆於蓋纏之內。
Not long ago, the Later Zhou dynasty came to power, unleashing a demonic wind that caused temples all across the land to be torn down and destroyed, while disciples of the Dharma throughout the country were mixed in with common conscripts. How lamentable! The silent meditation halls stood empty, with only the vacant spots where practitioners once sat. The desolate gardens of wisdom no longer knew the footsteps of those walking the path. Then came the Kaihuang era, which saw rebuilding efforts underway, but soon the Great Enterprise period arrived, and the land fell into chaos once again. Ghosts wept, spirits groaned, mountains roared, and seas boiled. With such calamity and suffering, how could any monastic sanctuary survive? The true Dharma faded away, and wrong views grew ever stronger. As a result, people lost their way to awakening, wandering trapped in the realm of suffering and its origins. The common folk were veiled from the true teaching, bound tightly within the net of delusion and attachment.
我大唐之有天下也，上凌巢燧，俯視義軒，三聖重光，萬邦一統。威加有截，澤被無垠，掩坤絡以還淳，亘乾維而獻款。再懸佛日，重補梵天。龍宮將八柱齊安，鷲嶺共五峯爭峻。大弘釋教，諒屬皇朝者焉。
When our Great Tang dynasty holds the world, we soar above the ancient sage-kings of the nest-dwelling and fire-drilling times, and look down upon the emperors Yao and Shun. Three sage rulers have renewed our brilliant legacy; all nations are unified. Our majesty extends to the farthest corners, and our grace covers infinite lands, restoring simplicity across the vastness of the earth. From the ends of the heavens, people come bearing tribute. The sun of the Buddha shines once more, and celestial realms are restored through the Dharma. The Dragon Palace stands firm alongside the eight great pillars of the cosmos, while Vulture Peak rises as nobly as the five sacred mountains. The great propagation of Buddhism is truly entrusted to this imperial court.
大福先寺翻經三藏法師義淨者，范陽人也，俗姓張氏。五代相韓之後，三台仕晉之前，朱紫分輝，貂蟬合彩。高祖為東齊郡守，仁風遠扇，甘雨隨車，化闡六條，政行十部。爰祖及父俱厭俗榮，放曠一丘，逍遙三徑。含和體素，養志恬神，摘芝秀於東山，挹清流於南澗。可謂尋幽丹嘺，棲偃白雲。皐鶴於是吞聲，場駒以之縶影。
The great Tripitaka Master Yijing of Dafuxian Temple was a native of Fanyang, with the lay surname Zhang. His family had served as ministers in the state of Han for five generations, and officials of the Three highest offices under the Jin dynasty. Their official ranks gleamed in crimson and purple, their cap tassels shimmered like cicada wings. His great-grandfather served as Governor of Dongqi Prefecture, spreading virtue afar like a refreshing breeze. Wherever he went, timely rains followed his carriage, good governance prevailed with the implementation of the Six Regulations, and administration reached all ten districts. Both his grandfather and father grew weary of worldly honors, preferring instead to roam freely through hills and valleys, dwelling idly along secluded paths. They cultivated inner harmony, embraced simplicity, nurtured their spirits, and stilled their minds. Plucking exquisite herbs from the Eastern Mountains, they dipped ladles into clear streams from the Southern Ravine. Truly, they sought the mysteries of the scarlet peaks and rested in the embrace of white clouds. Even the cranes on the marsh fell silent, and the horses in the pastures cast only shadows in their midst.
法師幼挻明晤，夙彰聰敏。纔踰辯李之歲，心樂出家；甫過遊洛之年，志尋西國。業該經史，學洞古今，總三藏之玄樞，明一乘之奧義。既而閑居習靜，息慮安禪，託彼山林，遠玆塵累。三十有七，方遂雅懷。
The master was exceptionally bright from childhood, and his intelligence was evident early on. Barely past the age of eloquent speech, his heart found joy in leaving the household life; not yet beyond the years of wandering, he resolved to seek the Western Land. His studies mastered the scriptures and histories, and his learning penetrated ancient and modern times. He grasped the profound essence of the Tripitaka and understood the subtle meanings of the One Vehicle. Then he dwelt in seclusion, cultivating stillness, calming his thoughts, and practicing meditation, entrusting himself to the mountains and forests while distancing himself from worldly entanglements. Only at the age of thirty-seven did he fulfill his noble aspiration.
以咸亨二年行至廣府，發蹤結契，數乃十人，鼓櫂昇航，惟存一已。巡南溟以遐逝，指西域以長驅；歷巖岫之千重，凌波濤之萬里。漸屆天竺，次至王城。佛說《法華》，靈峯尚在；如來成道，聖躅仍留。吠舍城中，獻蓋之蹤不泯；給狐園內，布金之地猶存。三道寶階，居然目覩；八大靈塔，邈矣親觀。所經三十餘國，凡歷二十餘載。菩提樹下，屢攀折以淹留；阿耨池邊，幾濯纓而藻鑒。法師慈悲作室，忍辱為衣，長齋則一食自資，長坐則六時無倦。
In the second year of the Xianheng era, I journeyed to Guangzhou. Though we first set out a band of ten, all resolved in heart, once we hoisted sail and launched our boat, I alone remained. Crossing the vast southern seas toward the distant west, I pressed on ever forward. I passed through countless mountain ranges and traversed ten thousand miles of rolling waves. At last I reached India, and in time, the royal city.
Here still stands Vulture Peak, where the Buddha preached the Lotus Sutra. Here still remain the sacred footprints of the Tathagata's enlightenment. In Vaishali, the traces of the celestial canopy offered long ago have never faded. In the Garden of Jeta, the ground strewn with gold coins still lies as it was. The three jeweled stairways I saw with my own eyes, and the eight great stupas I beheld from afar. Over thirty kingdoms I crossed, and more than twenty years passed by.
Beneath the Bodhi tree, I lingered again and again, plucking its leaves. By Anavatapta Lake, I washed my robes and cleansed my mind. The Master took compassion as his dwelling, and patience as his robe. Through the long fasts, he sustained himself on a single meal; through the long sits, he remained diligent through all six periods of the day.
又古來翻譯之者，莫不先出梵文，後資漢譯。摭詞方憑於學者，銓義別稟於僧徒。今玆法師不如是矣！既閑五天竺語，又詳二諦幽宗。譯義綴文，咸由於已出；指詞定理，匪假於旁求。超漢代之摩騰，跨秦年之羅什。所將梵本經僅四百部，合五十萬頌，金剛座真容一舖，舍利三百粒，以證聖元年夏五月方屆都焉。
In the past, every translator would first obtain the Sanskrit text and then produce a Chinese version. The wording relied on scholars, while the interpretation of meaning was entrusted to monks. But this Master was different! He had already mastered the five Indian languages and thoroughly understood the profound principles of the Two Truths. Translating the meaning and composing the text were entirely his own work; choosing the words and establishing the doctrines required no outside help. He surpassed the translator Moton of the Han Dynasty and even excelled over Kumarajiva of the Qin Dynasty. The Sanskrit scriptures he brought with him amounted to nearly four hundred texts, totaling five hundred thousand verses, along with one set of the true image of the Vajrasana and three hundred relics. He finally arrived at the capital in the summer of the first year of the Zhengsheng era.
則天大聖皇帝出震膺期，乘乾握紀，紹隆為務，弘濟為心，爰命百寮，兼整四眾，虹幡㨹日，鳳吹遏雲，香散六銖，華飄五色，鏘鏘濟濟，煒煒煌煌，迎于上東之門，置于授記之寺。共于闐三藏及大福先寺主沙門復禮、西崇福寺主法藏等翻《華嚴經》，後至大福先寺，與天竺三藏寶思末多及授記寺主惠表沙門勝莊、慈訓等譯《根本部律》。其大德等，莫不四禪凝慮，六度冥懷，懸法鏡於心臺，朗戒珠於性海。詞林挻秀，將覺樹而聯芳；慧炬揚輝，澄桂輪而合影。渾金𤩶玉，諒屬其人，誠梵宇之棟梁，實法門之龍象。
The Empress Wu Zetian, ascending the throne at the destined time, took charge of the empire and upheld the principles of heaven. Her mission was to carry forward and promote the welfare of all beings, driven by a heart of great compassion. She commanded all officials and organized both monastic and lay communities, with banners of rainbow colors shining under the sun, and phoenix-shaped flutes whose music soared to the clouds. Fragrant incense in delicate robes filled the air, while flowers in five colors drifted down. In solemn magnificence and radiant splendor, they welcomed the scriptures at the Upper East Gate and placed them in the Monastery of Prophecy. Together with the Tripitaka master from Khotan, the monk Fuli of Great Blessing Monastery, the abode Fazang of Western Blessing Monastery, and others, she undertook the translation of the Flower Adornment Sutra (Avatamsaka Sutra). Later, at Great Blessing Monastery, she worked with the Indian Tripitaka master Bao Simo Duo, the abode Huibiao of the Monastery of Prophecy, the monk Sheng Zhuang, and Cirun to translate the Root Section of the Vinaya ( monastic code).
These eminent monks were deeply absorbed in the four states of meditative concentration and silently nurtured the six perfections. They hung the mirror of Dharma in the courtyard of their minds and illuminated the bright pearl of precepts on the ocean of ultimate reality. Their eloquence, like a lush grove, elevated them to the height of the tree of awakening; the torch of wisdom radiated its light, blending in reflected brilliance with the full moon. Pure as refined gold and flawless jade, they were truly such people—pillars of the sacred temples and true dragons (noble practitioners) and elephants (mighty forces) within the gate of Dharma.
已翻諸雜經律二百餘卷，繕寫云畢，尋並進內。其余戒律諸論，方俟後詮。五篇之教具明，八法之因備曉。鵞珠尚護，蟲命無傷，浮囊必取於不虧，油鉢終期於靡覆。崇聖教之紀綱，啟含生之耳目。伏願上資先聖，長隆七廟之基，下逮微躬，恒佐九天之命，遷懷生於壽域，致薄俗於淳源，歲稔時和，遠安邇肅。顧以萬機務總，四海事殷，爰憑乙夜之余，式賛彌天之德，課虛扣寂，聊題序云。
I have already translated over two hundred fascicles of various sutras and vinaya texts. After the copying was completed, I submitted them all to the palace. The remaining vinaya texts and treatises will await future commentary. The teachings of the five categories of precepts are now complete, and the eight dharma matters are now fully understood. One must still protect even a goose's pearl, and not harm even the life of a worm; the leather bag (of precepts) must be kept without any leaks, and the oil bowl must never be overturned. By upholding the essential guidelines of the sacred teachings, we open the eyes and ears of all living beings.
I humbly pray: May the merits of this work first benefit the former sages, eternally exalting the foundation of the seven imperial temples, and then extend down to this humble self, continually supporting the blessings of the nine heavens. May it guide all sentient beings to the realm of longevity, transform worldly customs toward the source of purity, bring abundant harvests and seasonal harmony, and establish peace at home and respect abroad.
Considering that I am occupied with the myriad affairs of state and the countless matters of the four seas, I have taken advantage of my spare time at night to praise these immeasurable virtues. By reflecting on emptiness and knocking on the door of silence, I have briefly written this preface.
金光明最勝王經卷第一
Sutra of the Golden Light, Most Victorious King, Volume 1
大唐三藏沙門義淨奉 制譯
Translation by the Tang Dynasty Tripitaka Master Yijing, by Imperial Command.
序品第一
Chapter 1: The Prologue
如是我聞：
Thus I have heard:
一時薄伽梵，在王舍城鷲峯山頂，於最清淨甚深法界，諸佛之境如來所居，與大苾芻眾九萬八千人，皆是阿羅漢——能善調伏如大象王，諸漏已除，無復煩惱，心善解脫，慧善解脫，所作已畢，捨諸重擔，逮得己利，盡諸有結，得大自在，住清淨戒，善巧方便，智慧莊嚴，證八解脫，已到彼岸——其名曰：具壽阿若憍陳如，具壽阿說侍多，具壽婆濕波，具壽摩訶那摩，具壽婆帝利迦，大迦攝波，優樓頻螺迦攝，伽耶迦攝，那提迦攝，舍利子，大目乾連；惟阿難陀住於學地。如是等諸大聲聞，各於晡時從定而起，往詣佛所，頂禮佛足，右遶三匝，退坐一面。
Thus have I heard. At one time, the Blessed One was dwelling on Vulture Peak in Rajagriha, on the summit of that mountain, within the most pure and profound realm of reality—the domain of the Buddhas and the dwelling place of the Tathagata. With him were ninety-eight thousand great monks, all of them Arhats—well tamed, like mighty elephant kings. They had eliminated all defilements and were free from afflictions. Their minds were perfectly liberated, and their wisdom was perfectly liberated. They had completed their tasks, laid down their burdens, attained their own true benefit, and exhausted all bonds of existence. They had achieved great freedom, abided in pure discipline, and were skilled in means, adorned with wisdom, and had realized the eight liberations, reaching the other shore. Their names were: the elder Ajnatakaundinya, the elder Ashvajit, the elder Vashpa, the elder Mahanama, the elder Bhadrika, the elder Mahakashyapa, the elder Uruvilva-Kashyapa, the elder Gaya-Kashyapa, the elder Nadi-Kashyapa, Shariputra, and the elder Maudgalyayana. Only Ananda remained still in the stage of training. These great hearers, each rising from meditation in the afternoon, approached the Buddha, bowed their heads at his feet, circumambulated him three times to the right, and then stepped back to sit to one side.
復有菩薩摩訶薩，百千萬億人俱——有大威德，如大龍王，名稱普聞，眾所知識，施戒清淨，常樂奉持，忍行精勤，經無量劫，超諸靜慮，繫念現前，開闡慧門，善修方便，自在遊戲，微妙神通，逮得總持，辯才無盡，斷諸煩惱，累染皆亡，不久當成一切種智，降魔軍眾而擊法鼓，制諸外道，令起淨心，轉妙法輪，度人天眾，十方佛土悉已莊嚴，六趣有情無不蒙益，成就大智，具足大忍，住大慈悲心，有大堅固力，歷事諸佛，不般涅槃，發弘誓心，盡未來際，廣於佛所深種淨因，於三世法悟無生忍，逾於二乘所行境界，以大善巧化導世間，於大師教悉能敷演，祕密之法，甚深空性，皆已了知，無復疑惑——其名曰：無障礙轉法輪菩薩，常發心轉法輪菩薩，常精進菩薩，不休息菩薩，慈氏菩薩，妙吉祥菩薩，觀自在菩薩，總持自在王菩薩，大辯莊嚴王菩薩，妙高山王菩薩，大海深王菩薩，寶幢菩薩，大寶幢菩薩，地藏菩薩，虛空藏菩薩，寶手自在菩薩，金剛手菩薩，歡喜力菩薩，大法力菩薩，大莊嚴光菩薩，大金光莊嚴菩薩，淨戒菩薩，常定菩薩，極清淨慧菩薩，堅固精進菩薩，心如虛空菩薩，不斷大願菩薩，施藥菩薩，療諸煩惱病菩薩，醫王菩薩，歡喜高王菩薩，得上授記菩薩，大雲淨光菩薩，大雲持法菩薩，大雲名稱喜樂菩薩，大雲現無邊稱菩薩，大雲師子吼菩薩，大雲牛王吼菩薩，大雲吉祥菩薩，大雲寶德菩薩，大雲日藏菩薩，大雲月藏菩薩，大雲星光菩薩，大雲火光菩薩，大雲電光菩薩，大雲雷音菩薩，大雲慧雨充遍菩薩，大雲清淨雨王菩薩，大雲花樹王菩薩，大雲青蓮花香菩薩，大雲寶栴檀香清涼身菩薩，大雲除闇菩薩，大雲破瞖菩薩。如是等無量大菩薩眾，各於晡時，從定而起，往詣佛所，頂禮佛足，右遶三匝，退坐一面。
Also with the noble bodhisattva-mahasattvas — a hundred thousand million of them gathered, possessing great majestic virtue like great dragon kings, renowned far and wide, known to all beings. With pure discipline, they delight in reverently upholding the precepts; practicing forbearance diligently through countless eons, they transcend all states of meditative absorption. Mindfulness is present before them, opening the gate of wisdom. Skilled in compassionate means, they play freely with subtle and miraculous powers. They have attained complete mastery, with eloquence inexhaustible. They have cut off all afflictions, their burdens and defilements are gone. Soon they will realize all-knowing wisdom, subdue the armies of Mara, and beat the Dharma drum. They restrain all heretics, causing them to awaken pure minds, and turn the marvelous wheel of Dharma, freeing beings in the heavens and the human realm. Ten directions’ Buddha lands are completely adorned. All beings in the six realms receive benefit without exception. They have achieved great wisdom and possess great patience. They abide in great loving-kindness and compassion, with powerful, unshakable strength. Throughout countless lifetimes, they serve all Buddhas; they do not enter final nirvana. They have made vast vows extending to the end of future time. Deeply they plant pure causes at the feet of the Buddhas. In the three times they realize the truth of no-birth, surpassing the realms of the two vehicles. With great skillful means, they guide the world. All teachings of the great teacher they skillfully explain. The secret Dharma, the profound emptiness — all this they fully understand and have no doubt.
Their names: Avalokiteśvara, Bodhisattva Without Hindrance Who Turns the Dharma Wheel; Bodhisattva Always Aspiring to Turn the Dharma Wheel; Bodhisattva Constant Effort; Bodhisattva Never Resting; Bodhisattva Maitreya; Bodhisattva Manjushri; Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva; Bodhisattva King of Complete Mastery; Bodhisattva King of Great Ornament with Eloquence; Bodhisattva King of Wondrous High Mountain; Bodhisattva King of Deep Ocean; Bodhisattva Jeweled Banner; Bodhisattva Great Jeweled Banner; Bodhisattva Earth Treasury; Bodhisattva Space Treasury; Bodhisattva Jewel-in-Hand Mastery; Bodhisattva Vajrapani; Bodhisattva Joyful Strength; Bodhisattva Great Dharma Strength; Bodhisattva Great Ornament of Light; Bodhisattva Great Golden Light Ornament; Bodhisattva Pure Precepts; Bodhisattva Constant Stillness; Bodhisattva Utterly Pure Wisdom; Bodhisattva Steadfast Effort; Bodhisattva Mind Like Space; Bodhisattva Unceasing Great Vows; Bodhisattva Bestowing Medicine; Bodhisattva Healing All Afflictions; Bodhisattva King of Healing; Bodhisattva King of Joyful Height; Bodhisattva One Who Has Received Prophecy; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Pure Light; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Upholding Dharma; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Fame Rejoicing; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Manifesting Boundless Fame; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Lion’s Roar; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Bull King’s Roar; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Auspiciousness; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Jeweled Virtue; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Sun Treasury; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Moon Treasury; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Starlight; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Firelight; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Lightning; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Thunder Sound; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Wisdom Rain Pervading Everywhere; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Pure Rain King; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Flower Tree King; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Blue Lotus Fragrance; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Jeweled Sandalwood Fragrance Cool Body; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Dispelling Darkness; Bodhisattva Great Cloud Breaking Blindness. Such countless great bodhisattva hosts, each at the close of the afternoon, rising from meditation, went to where the Buddha was. They bowed their heads at the Buddha’s feet, circumambulated him three times to the right, then withdrew and sat to one side.
復有梨車毘童子五億八千，其名曰：師子光童子，師子慧童子，法授童子，因陀羅授童子，大光童子，大猛童子，佛護童子，法護童子，僧護童子，金剛護童子，虛空護童子，虛空吼童子，寶藏童子，吉祥妙藏童子，如是等人而為上首，悉皆安住無上菩提，於大乘中，深信歡喜。各於晡時，往詣佛所，頂禮佛足，右遶三匝，退坐一面。
Furthermore, there were 580 million Licchavi youths. Their leaders included: Youth Lion Light, Youth Lion Wisdom, Youth Dharma-Gift, Youth Indra-Gift, Youth Great Light, Youth Great Might, Youth Buddha-Protector, Youth Dharma-Protector, Youth Sangha-Protector, Youth Vajra-Protector, Youth Space-Protector, Youth Space-Roar, Youth Treasure-Store, and Youth Auspicious Treasure-Store. All of them were firmly established in supreme enlightenment and had deep faith and joy in the Great Vehicle. Each day, in the late afternoon, they would go to the Buddha, bow at his feet, circle him three times to the right, and then sit to one side.
復有四萬二千天子，其名曰：喜見天子，喜悅天子，日光天子，月髻天子，明慧天子，虛空淨慧天子，除煩惱天子，吉祥天子，如是等天子而為上首，皆發弘願，護持大乘，紹隆正法，能使不絕。各於晡時，往詣佛所，頂禮佛足，右遶三匝，退坐一面。
Furthermore, there were forty-two thousand heavenly beings. Their names were: the heavenly being Delightful Vision, the heavenly being Joy, the heavenly being Sunlight, the heavenly being Moon-Crown, the heavenly being Bright Wisdom, the heavenly being Pure Wisdom of Space, the heavenly being Remover of Troubles, the heavenly being Auspicious, and so on, with these as their leaders. All had made great vows to protect and uphold the Mahayana teachings, to uphold and spread the true Dharma, and to ensure it never died out. Each of them, in the afternoon, came to where the Buddha was, bowed their heads at his feet, respectfully circumambulated him three times to the right, and then sat down to one side.
復有二萬八千龍王：蓮華龍王，𧫦羅葉龍王，大力龍王，大吼龍王，小波龍王，持駛水龍王，金面龍王，如意龍王，如是等龍王而為上首，於大乘法，常樂受持，發深信心，稱揚擁護。各於晡時，往詣佛所，頂禮佛足，右遶三匝，退坐一面。
Furthermore, twenty-eight thousand dragon kings were present: Lotus Dragon King, Eluoye Dragon King, Great Strength Dragon King, Mighty Roar Dragon King, Small Wave Dragon King, Swift Waters Dragon King, Golden Face Dragon King, Wish-Fulfilling Dragon King, and others like them serving as their leaders. They always delighted in accepting and upholding the Great Vehicle teachings, giving rise to deep faith, and praising and protecting them. Each day, in the afternoon, they would go to the Buddha’s presence, bow at his feet, circumambulate him three times to the right, and then withdraw to sit to one side.
復有三萬六千諸藥叉眾，毘沙門天王而為上首。其名曰：菴婆藥叉，持菴婆藥叉，蓮花光藏藥叉，蓮花面藥叉，顰眉藥叉，現大怖藥叉，動地藥叉，吞食藥叉，是等藥叉悉皆愛樂如來正法，深心護持，不生疲懈。各於晡時，往詣佛所，頂禮佛足，右遶三匝，退坐一面。
Furthermore, 36,000 Yakshas were present, with Vaisravana, the Heavenly King, as their leader. Their names included: Amba Yaksha, Amba-Dharin Yaksha, Padma-Prabha-Garbha Yaksha, Padma-Mukha Yaksha, Bhrkuți Yaksha, Maha-Bhaya-Pradarshana Yaksha, Bhumi-Kampana Yaksha, and Ahara-Grasana Yaksha. All of these Yakshas cherished and delighted in the Tathagata's true Dharma, protecting it with deep devotion, never wearying or becoming lax. In the late afternoon, each of them approached the Buddha, bowed at his feet, circumambulated him three times to the right, and then retreated to sit to one side.
復有四萬九千揭路茶王，香象勢力王而為上首，及餘健闥婆，阿蘇羅，緊那羅，莫呼洛伽等，山林河海一切神仙，并諸大國所有王眾，中宮后妃，淨信男女，人天大眾悉皆雲集，咸願擁護無上大乘，讀誦受持，書寫流布。各於晡時，往詣佛所，頂禮佛足，右遶三匝，退坐一面。
Then forty-nine thousand Garuda Kings, led by the Fragrant Elephant Strength King, and others—Gandharvas, Asuras, Kinnaras, Mahoragas, all spirits of mountains, forests, rivers, and seas, together with the rulers of all great kingdoms, the queens and consorts of their palaces, faithful men and women, and the great assembly of humans and celestial beings—gathered like clouds, all wishing to uphold the supreme Great Vehicle by reciting, receiving, preserving, writing, and spreading it. Each day, at the late afternoon hour, they went to the Buddha’s abode, bowed their heads at his feet, walked around him three times to the right, and then withdrew to sit to one side.
如是等聲聞、菩薩、人天大眾、龍神八部，既雲集已，各各至心合掌恭敬，瞻仰尊容，目未曾捨，願樂欲聞殊勝妙法。
When the assembly of śrāvakas, bodhisattvas, humans, celestial beings, dragon spirits, and the eight kinds of divine beings had gathered, each of them—with utmost sincerity, hands pressed together in reverence and eyes fixed upon the countenance of the Honored One without a moment's distraction—wished to hear the extraordinary and sublime teachings.
爾時，薄伽梵於日晡時，從定而起，觀察大眾，而說頌曰：
Then, at the time of dusk, the World-Honored One rose from his meditation, looked over the assembly, and spoke these verses:
「金光明妙法， 最勝諸經王；
甚深難得聞， 諸佛之境界。
我當為大眾， 宣說如是經；
并四方四佛， 威神共加護：
東方阿閦尊， 南方寶相佛，
西方無量壽， 北方天鼓音。
我復演妙法， 吉祥懺中勝，
能滅一切罪， 淨除諸惡業。
及消眾苦患， 常與無量樂，
一切智根本， 諸功德莊嚴。
眾生身不具， 壽命將損減，
諸惡相現前， 天神皆捨離。
親友懷瞋恨， 眷屬悉分離，
彼此共乖違， 珍財皆散失。
惡星為變怪， 或被邪蠱侵，
若復多憂愁， 眾苦之所逼，
睡眠見惡夢， 因此生煩惱。
是人當澡浴， 應著鮮潔衣，
於此妙經王， 甚深佛所讚，
專注心無亂， 讀誦聽受持。
由此經威力， 能離諸災橫，
及餘眾苦難， 無不皆除滅。
護世四王眾， 及大臣眷屬，
無量諸藥叉， 一心皆擁衛。
大辯才天女， 尼連河水神，
訶利底母神， 堅牢地神眾，
梵王帝釋主， 龍王緊那羅，
及金翅鳥王， 阿蘇羅天眾，
如是天神等， 并將其眷屬，
皆來護是人， 晝夜常不離。
我當說是經， 甚深佛行處；
諸佛祕密教， 千萬劫難逢。
若有聞是經， 能為他演說，
若心生隨喜， 或設於供養；
如是諸人等， 當於無量劫，
常為諸天人， 龍神所恭敬。
此福聚無量， 數過於恒沙，
讀誦是經者， 當獲斯功德。
亦為十方尊， 深行諸菩薩，
擁護持經者， 令離諸苦難。
供養是經者， 如前澡浴身，
飲食及香花， 恒起慈悲意。
若欲聽是經， 令心淨無垢；
常生歡喜念， 能長諸功德。
若以尊重心， 聽聞是經者；
善生於人趣， 遠離諸苦難。
彼人善根熟， 諸佛之所讚；
方得聞是經， 及以懺悔法。」
"The Golden Light, this sublime Dharma, Is the king of all scriptures, supreme and vast; Profound and rare to hear, it reveals The realm of all Buddhas, unsurpassed.
I shall now for the assembly proclaim This sutra, with its merits deep; And invoke the four directional Buddhas, Whose mighty blessings we shall reap: Akshobhya in the east, the Honored One, In the south, Ratnasambhava's grace, In the west, Infinite Life's Buddha, In the north, Dundubhisvara, with saving face.
Again I proclaim this wondrous Dharma, This auspicious confession, supreme above; It can extinguish all misdeeds, And purify all evil with its love. It removes all suffering and pain, And grants endless joy, a boundless treasure, It is the root of all wisdom, Adorned with virtues beyond measure.
When a person's limbs are imperfect, Their lifespan is shortened, heading for decay, Unfavorable signs appear before them, And the gods all turn and go away. Relatives harbor anger and hatred, Families are torn apart in strife, Relations become discordant, And all their precious wealth is lost from life. Evil stars create strange havoc, They may be poisoned by dark guile, Or be overwhelmed with many sorrows, Pressed by suffering all the while. In sleep, they see terrifying nightmares, And from this, their afflictions endlessly grow.
Such a person should bathe and wash, Wear clean and fresh clothes, and then attend To this wonderful scripture, the king of sutras, Praised by Buddhas without end. With a focused and unwavering mind, They should read, recite, and truly embrace The power of this sacred text, To leave all calamities and find grace. All other sufferings, every hardship, Will be completely erased and fade away.
The Four Great Guardian Kings, With their ministers and retinues vast, And countless yakshas, with one mind, Will protect and shield him, holding fast. The goddess Maha Saraswati, The river spirit of Nairanjana, The goddess Hariti, and the solid Earth goddess, and all their clan. Brahma, the king of gods, Indra, Naga kings, kinnaras, and the great Garuda bird king, asuras' hosts— All these celestial ones, in noble state, Will come with their followers to guard him, Never leaving, day or night, from his side.
I shall now teach this sutra, the very place Where Buddhas deeply walk and abide; The secret teaching of all Buddhas, Hard to encounter in millions of aeons wide. Whoever hears this sacred text, And explains it to others with clear voice, Or feels joy arise in their heart, Or makes offerings by their own choice— Such persons, for countless eons, Will always be honored and revered By all the gods, humans, and dragon-spirits, Whose respect will never be deterred.
This accumulation of blessings is measureless, Outnumbering the Ganges' grains of sand; Those who read and recite this sutra Will gain this merit across the land. They are also held by the Ten-Direction Honored Ones, And by the Bodhisattvas practicing deep, Who protect those who uphold the sutra, And from all hardship, they will safely keep.
Those who make offerings to this sutra, Should bathe themselves as described above, Then offer food, drink, incense, and flowers, With a heart of compassion and love. If you wish to hear this sutra, Purify your mind, make it shine and free; Always nurture thoughts of joy, For this can increase your virtue's treasury.
With a respectful and reverent mind, Whoever listens to this sutra's guide Will be reborn well among humankind, Far away from all suffering, none to hide. That person's good roots are fully matured, Praised by all Buddhas, great and grand; Only then can they hear this teaching, And this method of repentance understand."