器世界品第一
Chapter 1: The Realm of Instruments
謂器世界所成之體，即四大種，種具生故。地堅、水濕、火煖、風動。是等大種，最極微細者曰極微塵，亦名隣虛塵，不能具釋。彼七隣虛為一極微，彼七極微為一微塵，彼七微塵為一透金塵，彼七透金塵為一透水塵，彼七透水塵為一兔毛塵，彼七兔毛塵為一羊毛塵，彼七羊毛塵為一牛毛塵，彼七牛毛塵為一遊隙塵，彼七遊隙塵為一蟣量，彼七蟣量為一蝨量，彼七蝨量為一麥量，彼七麥量為一指節，三節為一指，二十四指橫布為一肘量，四肘為一弓，五百弓量成一俱盧舍，八俱盧舍成一由旬。此是度量世界身相。成世界因，由一切有情共業所感。云何成耶？從空界中十方風起，互相衝擊堅密不動，為妙風輪。其色青白，極大堅實，深十六洛叉由旬，廣量無數。由暖生雲名曰金藏，降澍大雨，依風而住，謂之底海，深十一洛叉二萬由旬，廣十二洛叉三千四百半由旬。其水搏擊，上結成金，如熟乳停上凝成膜，即金地輪，故水輪減，唯厚八洛叉。餘轉成金，厚三洛叉二萬由旬。金輪廣量與水輪等，周圍即成三倍，合三十六洛叉一萬三百五十由旬。其前風輪娑婆界底，地、水二輪四洲界底。於地輪上復澍大雨，即成大海。被風鑽擊，精妙品聚成妙高山，中品聚集成七金山，下品聚集成輪圍山，雜品聚集成四洲等。其妙高體，東銀、南瑠璃、西玻瓈珂、北金所成；餘七唯金；四洲地等雜品所成；彼輪圍山唯鐵所成。其妙高量，入水八萬緰繕那，比於餘山皆悉高妙，名曰妙高。然後次第七金山者，一踰乾陀羅山，高四萬由旬。二伊沙陀羅山，高二萬由旬。三佉得羅柯山，高一萬由旬。四修騰娑羅山，高五千由旬。五阿輸割那山，高二千五百由旬。六毘泥怛迦那山，高千二百五十由旬。七居民陀羅山，高六百二十五由旬(藏論疏云：一持雙山、二持軸山、三檐木山、四善見山、五馬耳山、六象鼻山、七魚嘴山)。四大洲外有輪圍山，高三百一十二由旬半，彼等廣量各各自與出水量同。七金山間諸龍王等遊戲之處，名曰戲海。八山間七海近妙高者，一踰乾陀羅海，廣八萬由旬；二伊沙陀羅海，廣四萬由旬；三佉得羅柯海，廣二萬由旬；四修騰娑羅海，廣一萬由旬；五阿輸割那海，廣五千由旬；六毘尼怛迦那海，廣二千五百由旬；七尼民陀羅海，一千二百五十由旬，盈八功德水。八山七海其相咸方，外海味醎。尼民陀羅至輪圍山，二山相去三洛叉二萬二千由旬，其外海水雖無有分，由妙高色東海色白、南海色青、西海色紅、北海色黃，現是等色，故稱四海。是彼周邊三十六洛叉七百五十由旬。外輪圍山周圍三十六洛叉二千六百二十五由旬。其外海南贍部洲者，狀若車廂，狹向鐵圍三由旬半，餘三邊者各二千由旬，周圍六千三由旬半。有二中洲，東遮摩羅(此云猫牛)，西婆羅摩羅(此云勝猫牛)。贍部中央摩竭陀國，三世諸佛所生之處。次此向北度九黑山，有大雪山名具吉祥，其山北邊有香醉山。是二山間有大龍王，名曰無熱，所居之池曰阿耨達(此云無熱)。其狀四方，面各五十由旬，周圍二百由旬，池內遍滿八功德水。從此池內出四大河，東𮀚伽河，從象口中流出銀沙，共五百河流歸東海；南辛渡河，從牛口中流出瑠璃沙，共五百河流歸南海；西縛芻河，從馬口中流出玻瓈珂沙，共五百河流歸西海；北悉怛河，從獅子口流出金沙，共五百河流歸北海。是彼四河，從無熱池右遶七匝隨方而流。是香山北度二十由旬，彼處有巖名難陀巖，面各五十由旬，周圍二百由旬，高三由旬半。又有八千小巖，其巖北邊度二十由旬，有娑羅樹王名曰善住，其根入地四十弓量，高八十弓量，七重行樹羅列圍遶。東邊度二十由旬，有緩流池，其狀圓相，廣五十由旬，周圍一百五十由旬。又有八千小池，盈八功德水，內有蓮華，葉若牛皮、其莖如軸、華若車輪、味美如蜜。是處又有帝釋臨戰所乘象王名曰善住，與八千象，寒四月時住金巖所，熱四月時住善住所，雨四月時住緩流池。無熱池側有贍部樹，果實味美其量如甕，熟時墮水出贍部音。龍化為魚吞噉是果，殘者遇流成贍部金，由此樹名故號贍部。此洲向西有烏佃國，大金剛宮持種所居，金剛乘法從彼而傳。南海之中山曰持船，觀音菩薩居止其頂，聖多羅母居止山下。東有五峯，文殊菩薩居止其上，有十六大國、千數小國，又有三百六十種人，有七百二十種異音。其外海東洲曰勝身，狀若半月，對妙高邊三百五十由旬，餘邊六十由旬，周圍六千三百五十由旬。其洲二邊有二中洲，北提訶(此云身)、南毘提訶(此云勝身)。是彼三洲，越餘洲等七多羅樹，或曰洲人相貌端嚴，其身勝故名曰勝身。其外海北洲曰鳩婁，其狀四角畟方相似，邊各二千由旬，周圍八千由旬。其洲二邊有二中洲，一名鳩婁(此云有勝)、二高羅娑(此云有勝邊)。彼洲人等所有受用出如意樹，臨歿七日其如意樹出不美音，報曰當七日死。或曰洲人卑舌，即割食肉鬼音，故曰鳩婁是不美音。其外海西州曰牛貨，形如滿月，徑二千五百由旬，周圍七千五百由旬。有二中洲，南舍𢮎(此云具諂)、北嗢怛羅曼怛哩拏(此云儀上)。彼洲人等多寶牛貨，故曰牛貨洲。海山等向下皆悉八萬由旬，近金地故。近贍部洲、星割棘洲、金洲、月洲等者，係贍部洲。餘大洲等小洲亦爾。次上空中四萬由旬，純淨無礙，勝堅風輪從右而旋，日月星宿空居天等依止而住。日輪者，火珠所成，徑五十一由旬，周圍百五十三由旬，厚六由旬零十八分。上有金緣，其上復有金、銀、瑠璃、玻瓈珂等秀成四角。日天子等所居宮殿，由風運行，一晝一夜遶四大洲。日行向北時日即長，南行時短，行南北間時晝夜停。由遊處光即有寒暑，為冬夏際。北行六月、南行六月，行至中道曰日月迴星輪，歷遍謂曰一歲。月輪者，水珠所成，徑五十由旬，周圍百五十由旬，厚六由旬零十八分，其上復有金、銀、瑠璃、玻瓈珂等秀成四角。月天子等所居宮殿，是彼日月相去遠近自影增減，由增一分即生上半，十五分畢謂曰圓滿，由減一分即生下半。自影覆彼十五分畢曰不圓滿，由增減故名曰宿空，由一晝夜名曰宿地。如是三十，名曰一月。諸星宿者，空居天宮諸寶所成，其狀皆圓，小一牛吼、中三牛吼、大六牛吼，周圍三倍係四王眾。其妙高山有四層級，始從水際向上相去十千由旬，即初層級；從妙高山傍出十六千由旬，向上相去一萬由旬，即二層級；傍出八千由旬，向上相去一萬由旬，即三層級；傍出四千由旬，向上相去一萬由旬，即四層級。傍出二千由旬，彼妙高山其頂四角各秀一峯，高四由旬半，廣百二十五由旬，周圍五百由旬，有藥叉神於中止住。是山頂上三十三天中央，城曰善見，純金所成，高一由旬半，面各二千五百由旬，周萬由旬。其城體金，俱用百一雜寶嚴飾。其地柔軟如兜羅綿。是城四面，有一萬六千寶柱寶桴、寶椽寶簷。四面四門，又有千數闕一小門，四大衢道有諸小衢。其四門側五百天子，皆服堅鎧守護是門。城中有帝釋殿，曰最勝處亦曰殊勝殿，其狀四方，高四百由旬半，面各二百五十由旬，周千由旬。百一却敵，一一却敵各有七樓，一一寶樓各七小樓，一一小樓各七池沼，一一池沼各七蓮華，一一華上各有七數童男童女，奏種種樂歌舞歡娛。善見城東有諸所乘曰眾車苑，高千由旬；南臨戰處曰麁惡苑，西諸行處曰相雜苑，北游戲處曰歡喜苑，縱廣同前。其苑等外度二十由旬，有善地曰眾車麁惡，相雜歡喜，量同四苑。善見東北有如意樹，名波利闍多亦名圓生樹，根深五十由旬，高百由旬，枝條傍布五十由旬，能施欲樂。下有盤石，曰阿㗚(二合)摩麗歌，色白如㲲，面各五十由旬，周二百由旬。善見西南諸天集處，名善法堂，周九百由旬，其狀圓相。是堂中央有帝釋座，純金所成，其座周圍有三十二輔臣之座，咸皆布列三十三天。向上度八萬由旬，於空界中依風而住，諸寶所成離諍天宮，量若妙高山頂二倍。上度一億六萬由旬，於空界中依風而住，諸寶所成兜率天宮，量如離諍，縱廣二倍。上度三洛叉二萬由旬，於空界中依風而住，諸寶所成化樂天宮，量如兜率，縱廣二倍。上度六洛叉四萬由旬，於空界中依風而住，諸寶所成他化自在天宮，量同化樂，縱廣二倍。此即欲界。上有初禪，如是四洲、七山、妙高、輪圍、欲界六天并初禪等，謂四洲界，一數至千為小千界，一小鐵圍山圍遶。此小千界一數至千，為中千界，一中鐵圍山圍遶。此中千界一數至千，為三千大千世界，一大鐵圍山圍遶。如是有百億數四洲界等，皆悉行布。鐵圍山等諸洲山間黑暗之處，無有晝夜，舉手無見。初禪天量等四洲界，二禪天量等小千界，三禪天量等中千界，四禪天量等三千大千世界，其相去量皆倍倍增，謂曰色界。無色界者，無別處所，若有生者何處命終即彼生處，住無色定故曰無色。
The substance that constitutes the world of physical forms is the four great elements, for each element possesses the capacity to produce forms. Earth is solid, water is moist, fire is hot, and wind is mobile. The smallest, most subtle particles of these elements are called "extreme particles" (極微塵), also known as "neighboring-void particles" (隣虛塵), which cannot be fully described. Seven neighboring-void particles form one extreme particle; seven extreme particles form one tiny particle; seven tiny particles form one gold-penetrating particle; seven gold-penetrating particles form one water-penetrating particle; seven water-penetrating particles form one rabbit-hair particle; seven rabbit-hair particles form one sheep-hair particle; seven sheep-hair particles form one ox-hair particle; seven ox-hair particles form one passing-gap particle; seven passing-gap particles form one louse measure; seven louse measures form one flea measure; seven flea measures form one barley measure; seven barley measures form one finger-joint; three joints form one finger; twenty-four fingers laid side by side form one cubit; four cubits form one bow; five hundred bows form one *krośa*; eight *krośa* form one *yojana*. This is the measurement of the body of the world.
What causes the world to form? It is produced by the collective karma of all sentient beings. How does it form? From the empty space in the ten directions, winds arise. They strike against each other, becoming firm and unmoving, forming the sublime wind-wheel. Its color is azure white; it is extremely solid; it plunges a depth of sixteen *laksa yojanas*, and its breadth is measureless. From this, heat gives birth to clouds called "golden store." They pour down a great rain, which settles upon the wind, forming the bottom sea, eleven *laksa* and twenty thousand *yojanas* deep, and twelve *laksa*, three thousand four hundred and a half *yojanas* broad. This water, agitated by pressure, condenses into gold on its surface, like the skin that forms on the surface of boiled milk. This is the golden earth-wheel. Thus, the water-wheel decreases until it is only eight *laksa* thick. The remainder is transformed into gold, becoming three *laksa* and twenty thousand *yojanas* thick. The golden wheel's breadth equals that of the water-wheel, and its circumference is three times that, totaling thirty-six *laksa*, ten thousand three hundred and fifty *yojanas*. The aforementioned wind-wheel is the base of the Sahā world; the earth- and water-wheels are the base of the four continents.
On the golden earth-wheel, a great rain falls, forming a great ocean. This is stirred and churned by the wind. The finest and most excellent particles collect to form Mount Sumeru; medium particles collect to form the seven golden mountains; inferior particles collect to form the Iron Encircling Mountains; mixed particles collect to form the four continents and so on. The body of Mount Sumeru is composed of silver on the east, lapis lazuli on the south, crystal on the west, and gold on the north. The other seven mountains are made of gold alone. The four continents and their lands are of mixed composition. The encirling iron mountain is made solely of iron. The height of Mount Sumeru, extending eighty thousand *yojanas* into the water, surpasses all other mountains in excellence and height; therefore it is called "Sumeru," meaning "Wonderful Height."
Then, in order, there are the seven golden mountains: 1. Mount Yugandhara, forty thousand *yojanas* high. 2. Mount Īśādhara, twenty thousand *yojanas* high. 3. Mount Khadiraka, ten thousand *yojanas* high. 4. Mount Sudarśana, five thousand *yojanas* high. 5. Mount Aśvakarṇa, two thousand five hundred *yojanas* high. 6. Mount Vinataka, one thousand two hundred and fifty *yojanas* high. 7. Mount Nimindhara, six hundred and twenty-five *yojanas* high(Tibetan commentary says: 1. Double-Holder Mountain, 2. Axle-Holder Mountain, 3. Timber Mountain, 4. Good-Sight Mountain, 5. Horse-Ear Mountain, 6. Elephant-Proboscis Mountain, 7. Fish-Mouth Mountain). Outside the four continents is the Iron Encircling Mountain, three hundred and twelve and a half *yojanas* high. The width of these mountains is equal to their height above water.
The areas between the seven golden mountains are playing grounds for various Nāga kings, called "Play-Seas." The seven seas between the eight mountains, starting from the one near Mount Sumeru, are: 1. The Yugandhara Sea, eighty thousand *yojanas* broad. 2. The Īśādhara Sea, forty thousand *yojanas* broad. 3. The Khadiraka Sea, twenty thousand *yojanas* broad. 4. The Sudarśana Sea, ten thousand *yojanas* broad. 5. The Aśvakarṇa Sea, five thousand *yojanas* broad. 6. The Vinataka Sea, two thousand five hundred *yojanas* broad. 7. The Nimindhara Sea, one thousand two hundred and fifty *yojanas* broad. These are filled with the eight excellent qualities of water. The forms of these eight mountains and seven seas are all square. The outer sea is salty. The distance between Mount Nimindhara and the Iron Encircling Mountain is three *laksa* and twenty-two thousand *yojanas*. Although the outer ocean water has no inherent color, it appears white in the east due to Mount Sumeru's eastern face, blue in the south, red in the west, and yellow in the north. Thus, they are called the Four Seas. The perimeter of this entire system is thirty-six *laksa* and seven hundred and fifty *yojanas*. The outer Iron Encircling Mountain has a circumference of thirty-six *laksa* and two thousand six hundred twenty-five *yojanas*.
As for the southern continent of Jambudvīpa within the outer ocean: its shape is like a cart; its narrow side towards the Iron Encircling Mountain is three and a half *yojanas*, and its other three sides are each two thousand *yojanas*, giving a total circumference of six thousand and three and a half *yojanas*. It has two subcontinents: in the east, Cāmara(Meaning "Cat-Cow"), and in the west, Apara-cāmara(Meaning "Superior Cat-Cow"). In the center of Jambudvīpa is the kingdom of Magadha, where the Buddhas of the three times were born. To the north, across nine black mountains, there is a great snow mountain called "Auspicious." On its north side is the Fragrant Mountain (Gandhamādana). Between these two mountains is a great Nāga king named Anavatapta (Unheated). His lake is called Anavatapta(Meaning "Without Heat"). Its shape is square: each side is fifty *yojanas*, for a circumference of two hundred *yojanas*. It is filled with water possessing the eight excellent qualities. From this lake, four great rivers flow: The Ganges in the east, flowing from the mouth of an elephant, bearing silver sand, accompanied by five hundred rivers, returning to the eastern ocean. The Sindhu in the south, flowing from the mouth of a cow, bearing lapis lazuli sand, accompanied by five hundred rivers, returning to the southern ocean. The Vakṣu (Oxus) in the west, flowing from the mouth of a horse, bearing crystal sand, accompanied by five hundred rivers, returning to the western ocean. The Sītā in the north, flowing from the mouth of a lion, bearing golden sand, accompanied by five hundred rivers, returning to the northern ocean. These four rivers circle Anavatapta Lake seven times to the right before flowing off in their respective directions. Twenty *yojanas* north of the Fragrant Mountain, there is a cliff called Nanda's Cliff. Its sides are each fifty *yojanas*, for a circumference of two hundred *yojanas*, and it is three and a half *yojanas* high. There are also eight thousand smaller cliffs. Twenty *yojanas* north of this cliff, there is a sandalwood tree king named Su-darśana (Good-to-See). Its roots penetrate forty bows into the ground, its height is eighty bows, and it is surrounded by rows of trees in seven layers. Twenty *yojanas* to the east, there is a slow-flowing lake called Maṇḍākinī (Delightful). It is round and fifty *yojanas* in diameter, with a circumference of one hundred and fifty *yojanas*. There are also eight thousand smaller lakes filled with the eight excellent qualities of water. Within the lake, there are lotuses whose leaves are the size of buffalo hides, whose stems are like chariot axles, and whose blossoms are like wheels. They are as sweet as honey.
In this area, there is also the elephant king Airāvaṇa, whom Śakra (Lord of the Gods) rides into battle. Accompanied by eight thousand elephants, Airāvaṇa stays in the golden cliff during the four cold months, in the Good-to-See Tree during the four hot months, and in Maṇḍākinī Lake during the four rainy months. Beside Anavatapta Lake, there is a *jambu* tree. Its fruit is delicious and as large as a pot. When ripe, it falls into the water and makes a "jambu" sound. Nāgas turn into fish to eat it; what remains is washed down the river and becomes Jambu River gold. This tree gives the name to the continent "Jambudvīpa." To the west of this continent is the country of Oḍḍiyāna, where the great Vajra Palace of the Vidyādhara is located. The teachings of the Vajrayāna were transmitted from there. In the southern sea, there is a mountain called Potalaka (Boat). Bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara resides at its peak, and the holy mother Tārā dwells at its foot. To the east, there are five peaks where Bodhisattva Mañjuśrī dwells. There are sixteen great kingdoms, thousands of smaller countries, three hundred and sixty types of people, and seven hundred and twenty different languages.
In the outer sea to the east is the continent of Pūrvavideha (Superior Body). Its shape is like a half-moon: the side facing Mount Sumeru is three hundred and fifty *yojanas*, and the other sides are sixty *yojanas* each, for a total circumference of six thousand three hundred and fifty *yojanas*. It has two subcontinents: one in the north, Deha(Meaning "Body"), and one in the south, Videha(Meaning "Superior Body"). These three continents (actually referring to the main continent and its two subcontinents) are taller than the others by seven *tāla* trees. It is said that the people of this continent have beautiful features, and because their bodies are superior, it is named "Superior Body."
In the outer sea to the north is the continent of Uttarakuru (Northern Kuru). Its shape is a perfect square: each side is two thousand *yojanas*, for a total circumference of eight thousand *yojanas*. It has two subcontinents: one called Kuru(Meaning "Possessing Excellence") and the other called Kaurava(Meaning "Superior Excellent Side"). The people of that continent obtain all their enjoyments from wish-fulfilling trees. Seven days before they die, the tree emits an unpleasant sound, proclaiming: "You will die in seven days!" It is said that the people there have barbaric speech, like the sound of flesh-eating ghosts, so "Kuru" means "unpleasant sound."
In the outer sea to the west is the continent of Aparagodānīya (Western Ox-Enriched). Its shape is like a full moon: it measures two thousand five hundred *yojanas* in diameter, with a circumference of seven thousand five hundred *yojanas*. It has two subcontinents: one in the south, Śākha(Meaning "Possessing Flattery"), and one in the north, Uttaramantriṇa(Meaning "Sublime Superior"). Because the people of this continent possess many valuable oxen, they are called "Ox-Enriched."
The seas, mountains, and other features all extend eighty thousand *yojanas* downward, down to the golden earth. Near Jambudvīpa are islands such as Star-Lanced Island, Gold Island, Moon Island, etc.; these belong to Jambudvīpa. The other great continents each have their own small subcontinents. Above, at a height of forty thousand *yojanas*, in pure and unobstructed space, an excellent firm wind-wheel rotates to the right. The sun, moon, stars, and celestial beings who dwell in space abide supported by this wind.
The solar sphere is composed of a fire-gem. Its diameter is fifty-one *yojanas*, its circumference one hundred and fifty-three *yojanas*, and its thickness six *yojanas* and eighteen parts. It has a golden rim, and on its surface are four corners beautifully formed of gold, silver, lapis lazuli, and crystal. This is the palace of the sun god and his retinue. Driven by the wind, it circumnavigates the four great continents in one day and night. When the sun travels north, the days are long; when south, the days are short; when it travels between north and south, day and night are equal. As it travels, its rays cause cold and heat, marking the seasons of winter and summer. It travels north for six months and south for six months. Its path in the middle is called the wheel of the sun, moon, and stars; one complete circuit is called a year.
The lunar sphere is composed of a water-gem. Its diameter is fifty *yojanas*, its circumference one hundred and fifty *yojanas*, and its thickness six *yojanas* and eighteen parts. Like the sun, it has a golden rim and four corners formed of jewels. It is the palace of the moon god and his retinue. The waxing and waning of the moon are due to the shadow it casts upon itself depending on the relative distance of the sun. As it waxes by one part, the first half of the month begins; after fifteen parts, it is called "full." As it wanes by one part, the second half begins; after its shadow covers fifteen parts, it is called "unfull" (new moon). Based on this waxing and waning, it is called "dwelling among the constellations." One day-night is called "star-base" (a lunar day). Thirty of these constitute one month.
The various constellations are celestial palaces of space, made of various jewels. Their shapes are all round: small ones are one *go-ruga*, medium ones three *go-ruga*, and large ones six *go-ruga* in diameter, with a circumference three times that. They are inhabited by Vaiśravaṇa’s (the Four Great Kings') retinue.
Mount Sumeru has four levels. Beginning from the water line, ascending to ten thousand *yojanas* is the first level. From Mount Sumeru's side, an overhang of sixteen thousand *yojanas* at this level. Ascending another ten thousand *yojanas* is the second level, with an overhang of eight thousand *yojanas*. Ascending another ten thousand *yojanas* is the third level, with an overhang of four thousand *yojanas*. Ascending another ten thousand *yojanas* is the fourth level, with an overhang of two thousand *yojanas*. The peak of Mount Sumeru rises into four peaks at the four corners, each peak being four and a half *yojanas* high, two hundred and twenty-five *yojanas* broad, with a circumference of five hundred *yojanas*. Yakṣa deities dwell there.
At the summit of Mount Sumeru, in the center of the Heaven of the Thirty-Three, is a city called Sudarśana (Beautiful to See). It is made entirely of gold, one and a half *yojanas* high, two thousand five hundred *yojanas* on each side, with a circumference of ten thousand *yojanas*. The city’s substance is gold, adorned with one hundred and one kinds of precious jewels. Its ground is as soft as cotton wool. The city has sixteen thousand jeweled pillars, rafters, eaves, and beams. There are four gates, one thousand gated doors, four great thoroughfares, and many smaller streets. At the sides of the four gates, five hundred gods, clad in strong armor, guard each gate. In the center of the city is Śakra's palace called Sudharmā (Excellent Doctrine), also known as the Supreme Palace. It is square: it is four hundred and a half *yojanas* high, and each side is two hundred and fifty *yojanas*, with a circumference of one thousand *yojanas*. It has one hundred and one towers, each tower has seven buildings, each jewel building has seven smaller pavilions, each pavilion has seven ponds, each pond has seven lotuses, and on each lotus are seven pairs of boys and girls, playing various music, singing, and dancing joyfully.
To the east of Sudarśana City is the Park of Many Vehicles (Caitraratha), one thousand *yojanas* high. To the south is the Battlefield Park (Pāruṣyaka). To the west is the Park of Mixed Activities (Miśrakā). To the north is the Playground Park (Nandana). Their length and breadth are the same as the city's dimensions. Beyond these parks, at a distance of twenty *yojanas*, there are other excellent grounds called the Ground of Many Vehicles, Battlefield, Mixed, and Joy—equal in size to the four parks. To the northeast of Sudarśana City is the wish-fulfilling tree Pāriyātraka, also called the Round-Born Tree. Its roots are fifty *yojanas* deep, its trunk a hundred *yojanas* high, and its branches spread horizontally for fifty *yojanas*. It can grant all desires. Beneath it is a crystal slab called *Āryamūlaka* (Noble Foundation), pure white in color, fifty *yojanas* on each side, with a circumference of two hundred *yojanas*. To the southwest of the city is the assembly hall of the gods, called the Hall of Excellent Doctrine. It is nine hundred *yojanas* in circumference and round in shape. In its center is Śakra's throne, made of solid gold, surrounded by the thirty-two thrones of his chief ministers, all being the Thirty-Three.
Above the Heaven of the Thirty-Three, rising eighty thousand *yojanas* within space, supported by the wind, is the palace of the Yama (Free from Strife) Heaven, made of various jewels. Its size is twice that of Mount Sumeru's peak. Rising above that by one crore, sixty thousand *yojanas* within space, supported by the wind, is the palace of the Tuṣita (Contentment) Heaven, equal to the Yama Heaven in size, but twice the measure in length and breadth. Above that, by three *laksa* and twenty thousand *yojanas*, within space, supported by the wind, is the palace of the Nirmāṇarati (Enjoying Creations) Heaven, equal to the Tuṣita Heaven but twice its measure in length and breadth. Above that, by six *laksa* and forty thousand *yojanas*, within space, supported by the wind, is the palace of the Paranirmita-vaśavartin (Power over Others' Creations) Heaven, equal to the Nirmāṇarati Heaven but twice its measure in length and breadth. This is the Realm of Desire.
Above this is the first *dhyāna* (meditation heaven). These—the four continents, the seven mountains, Mount Sumeru, the Iron Encircling Mountains, the six heavens of desire and the first *dhyāna*—constitute a "Four-Continent World." One thousand such worlds counted together form a "Small World-System," encircled by a small iron encircling mountain. One thousand of these Small World-Systems form a "Medium World-System," encircled by a medium iron encircling mountain. One thousand of these Medium World-Systems form a "Triple-thousand Great World-System," encircled by a great iron encircling mountain. In this way, there are a hundred crore such Four-Continent Worlds, all arranged in a similar pattern.
The places between the iron encircling mountains and the continents are realms of darkness. There is no day or night; you cannot see your hand even if you raise it before your eyes. The size of the first *dhyāna* heaven is equal to a Four-Continent World. The second *dhyāna* heaven equals a Small World-System. The third *dhyāna* heaven equals a Medium World-System. The fourth *dhyāna* heaven equals a Triple-thousand Great World-System. Their respective measurements are each doubled sequentially. This is called the Realm of Form.
The Formless Realm (Ārūpyadhātu) has no distinct location. If a being is born there, it is reborn in the very place where it passed away, abiding in a formless meditative state. Hence it is called "Formless."