The Buddha speaks the Sutra of the Contemplation of Immeasurable Lifespan
Thus, have I heard: At one time the Buddha was staying on Vulture Peak in Rājagṛha with a great assembly of twelve hundred and fifty monks. He was also accompanied by thirty-two thousand bodhisattvas led by Mañjuśrī, the Dharma Prince.
At that time, in the great city of Rājagṛha, there was a prince named Ajātaśatru. Instigated by his wicked friend Devadatta, he seized his father, King Bimbisāra and confined him in a room with seven layers of walls.
The court officers were forbidden to visit him.
Vaidehī, the mother queen was devoted to the King.
After cleansing her body, she spread a mixture of ghee, honey and wheat flour all over her body.
She filled her ornaments with grape juice, and secretly offered this food and drink to the King.
After the King had eaten the flour paste, drunk the juice, he asked for water to rinse his mouth.
After rinsing his mouth, he joined his palms in reverence and faced the Vulture Peak.
He made obeisance to the World Honoured One from afar, and said,
‘Mahāmaudgalyāyana is my close friend. I beseech the World Honoured One to take pity on me. Please send him here to give me the eight precepts.’
At that time, Mahāmaudgalyāyana flew as swiftly as a hawk to the King.
Every day he travelled in this way to give the King the eight precepts.
The World Honoured One also sent Venerable Pūrṇa to the palace to expound the Dharma to the King.
Three weeks passed by in this way. As the King had eaten the flour and honey, listened to the Dharma, he looked peaceful and contented.
At that time, Ajātaśatru asked the guard, “Is my father still alive?”
The guard replied, ‘Great King, the mother queen spreads the paste of flour and honey all over her body, fills her ornaments with grape juice. These are offered to the king. ‘
‘The monks Mahāmaudgalyāyana and Pūrṇa travel in from space to expound the Dharma to the King. It is impossible to stop them.’
On hearing this, Ajātaśatru was furious with his mother and said, ‘My mother is a thief. She is the accomplice of my enemy.’
Those monks are evil. With their delusive magic and mantra, they kept this wicked King alive for so many days!’
After saying this, he held on to his sharp sword, with the intention to kill his mother.
At that time a minister by the name Candraprabha who was intelligent and wise, together with Jīvaka made obeisances to the king and said,
‘Great King, according to the Vedic scripture, from the beginning of this kalpa there were eighteen thousand wicked kings who killed their fathers because of their greed for the throne.
But we have never heard of anyone who has committed the outrage of killing his mother.
Your Majesty, if you were to commit such an outrage, you are bringing disgrace upon the Kṣatriya class.
As your ministers, we cannot bear to hear what the people will say as this is an act of the outcaste. We cannot stay on here any longer.’
After saying these words, the two ministers grasped their swords, stepping backwards as they had decided to leave.
At that time Ajatasatru was nervous and frightened. He said to Jīvaka, ‘Are you not on my side?’
Jīvaka replied, ‘Your Majesty, please restrain yourself. Do not kill your mother.’
On hearing this, the king repented and begged for forgiveness.
He threw his sword away and stopped to kill his mother.
Instead, he ordered the court officials to lock her up in an inner chamber. She was not allowed to leave her room.
At that time, when Vaidehī was kept in confinement, she was extremely sad and in despair.
She turned to face the Vulture Peak and made obeisance to the Buddha from afar.
She said, ‘O Tathāgata, the World-honored One, in the past you used to send Ānanda to comfort me. Now I am in deep sorrow and distress. The World Honoured One is most awesomely adorned. I have no chance to see you. Please send Venerable Mahā Maudgalyāyana and Venerable Ānanda as I wish to see them.’
After saying these words, she wept sorrowfully. With her face wet with tears, she bowed down to the Buddha from afar.
Even before she raised her head, the World Honoured One, who was then staying on Vulture Peak, knew of Vaidehī’s thoughts.
Immediately he sent Mahāmaudgalyāyana and Ānanda to travel in space to see her.
The Buddha himself disappeared from the mountain and reappeared in the royal palace.
After bowing down to the Buddha, Vaidehī raised her head and saw Śākyamuni Buddha, the World Honoured One with the adorned purplish golden hue body was sitting on the lotus of myriads gems.
He was attended by Mahāmaudgalyāyana on his left and Ānanda on his right.
Śakra and the Brahmān Heavenly God, the Dharma protectors of the world and other devas were dwelling in the space. They pervasively rained down the heavenly flowers as offerings to the Buddha.
At that time, on seeing the Buddha, the World Honoured One, Vaidehi tore down her ornaments and prostrated herself on the ground.
Weeping bitterly, she said to the Buddha, ‘O World Honoured One, what offences did I commit that I gave birth to this evil son? What are causes and conditions that Devadatta becomes a retinue of the World Honored One?’
‘May the World Hooured One pervasively speak for me a dwelling which is free from sorrow and afflictions. I would like to be born there.
I no longer want to stay in Jambudvipa, a world of evils and turbidities. This defiled and evil world is a dwelling of evils which is filled up with hells, hungry ghosts and animals, with abundant unwholesomeness.
I hope that in future I will no longer hear any evil words. I do not wish to see any wicked men. World Honoured One, now I am making obeisance to the World Honoured One to seek repentance. May the Buddha bestow upon me the strength to contemplate a dwelling of pure karma.’
At that time, the World Honoured One emitted golden lights from between his eyebrows.
It pervasively illumined the immeasurable worlds in the ten directions.
The lights reflected back to the Buddha’s summit. They were transformed into a golden platform that resembled Mount Sumeru.
On the platform the pure and wonderful Lands of all the Buddha in the ten directions appeared.
Some of these Lands were made of the seven jewels, some Lands were fully covered with lotuses.
Some Lands resembled the Self at ease heavenly palaces, while others are like a crystal mirror in which all the lands in the ten directions were reflected.
Innumerable adorned Buddha Lands such like these were displayed to Vaidehī clearly.
At that time Vaidehi said to the Buddha, ‘World Honoured One, even though all the Buddha Lands are pure and brightly illuminated, presently I desire to be born in the World of Ultimate Bliss, the dwelling of Amitabha Buddha. May the World Honoured One teach me how to be mindful of it, how to dwell in right contemplation.’
At that time the World Honoured One smile, with five coloured lights emitting from his mouth.
Every light illumines the summit of King Bimbisara.
At that time, even though the King was in confinement, his mind and eyes were unhindered.
He could see the World Honoured One from afar. He made obeisance to the Buddha with the head and face touching the ground. He naturally advanced and accomplished the Sage hood of Anagamin.
Part 2
At that time the World Honoured One told Vaidehi,
‘Do you know or not, that Amitabha Buddha is not far from here?
You should contemplate clearly that Land which is accomplished by Pure Karma.
I will now speak for you pervasively all kinds of analogies.
In this way all the mundane men in the future world who desire to cultivate the Pure Karma will attain a rebirth in the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.’
‘Those who desire to be born in that Land must cultivate the three blessings.
1. They are filial to their parents and take good care of them They are respectful to their teachers and elders and attend to them gratefully. They are kind-hearted and abstain from killing. They cultivate the ten wholesome deeds.
2.They uphold the three refuges and are replete with the myriad precepts. They do not transgress the awesome deportment.
3. They bring forth the Bodhi Mind and have deep faith in cause and effect. They read and recite the Great Vehicle Sutra and exhort other cultivators to advance on the path.
These three matters are known as the Pure Karma.’
The Buddha told Vaidehi,
‘Do you know or not, these three karmas are the right causes of the Pure Karma which are practised by the past, present and future Buddha in the three periods of time?’
The Buddha told Ananda and Vaidehi,
‘Listen attentively, listen attentively and do ponder on my words.
Today the Thus Come One will speak about the pure karma for the sake of all the future living beings who are harmed by the thieves of afflictions.
Good indeed it is for Vaidehi to ask this question.’
‘Ananda, you should uphold my teaching and proclaim the Buddha’s words to the myriad living beings pervasively.
Now the Thus Come One is teaching Vaidehi and all the future living beings to contemplate the Western World of Ultimate Bliss.
By relying on the Buddha’s strength, one is able to see that Pure Land just as though one is holding a clear mirror looking at one’s face.
On seeing the most wonderful bliss in that Land a man will instantly attain the Dharma Patience of No-birth because of a joyful mind.’
The Buddha told Vaidehi,
‘You are a mundane woman and your mind is weak and uncertain. You do not possess the heavenly eyes so you cannot see far. ‘
‘All the Buddha Thus Come One possess the special expedience that enable you to see the Land from afar.’
At that time Vaidehi asked the Buddha, ‘World Honoured One, presently I am able to see that Land relying on the Buddha’s strength.
After the Buddha reveals the still extinction, the evil and defiled living beings are oppressed by the five sufferings.
How are they going to see Amitabha Buddha’s World of Ultimate Bliss?’
The Buddha told Vaidehi,
‘You and living beings should be mindful of the Western Land single-mindedly.
How do you contemplate?
This is the way you contemplate.
All living beings who are not born blind, who have eyes will be able to see the setting sun. They should thus contemplate the setting sun.
They should sit uprightly, facing the west. They should concentrate their mind to contemplate the dwelling of the setting sun.
With the unmoving mind they focus the mind on the setting sun which looks like a hanging drum.’
‘After seeing this sun, they can also see it clearly with their eyes open or close.’
‘This is known as the first contemplation, the visualization of the sun.’
‘Next, you should visualize clearly the water which is pure and clear with a fixed mind.
On seeing the water, you should visualize the water.
On seeing the water which is clear and translucent, visualize it as the lapis-lazuli.
When this visualization is accomplished, you will see the lapis-lazuli ground shining brilliantly internally and externally.
The lapis-lazuli ground is supported by the golden vajra, the golden dhvaja of seven gems.
The dhvaja is octagonal in shape facing the eight directions, with every surface made up of hundreds of jewels.
Every pearl emits thousands of bright lights.
Every bright light consists of 84 thousand colours which shine on the lapis-lazuli ground just like thousands of billion suns.
We cannot see the bright illuminations fully.
On the lapis-lazuli ground it is decorated with golden linings that intervene one another. The realms of seven gems are distinctively and neatly divided.
Every gem consists of 500 coloured lights which look like flowers. The lights also resemble the moons and stars hanging in the space like a brightly illumined platform.’
Thousands and millions of bungalows and pavilions are made of myriad gems.
Each of the two sides of the platform is adorned with hundreds of billions flowery dhvajas and immeasurable musical instruments.
From the bright lights eight types of breeze blow by to play the music instruments. They sing out the teachings of sufferings, emptiness, impermanence and no-self.
This is known as the second contemplation, the visualization of water.’
‘When you have accomplished this visualization, you must visualize every adornment clearly, with your eyes close or open.
Continue to visualize them while you are awake so that they are clearly retained in your mind, not dispersed. Always be mindful of the adornments except when you are eating.’
‘If you can visualize in this way, it is known as seeing the ground of Ultimately Bliss generally.
If you have attained Samadhi, you can see the ground of that land clearly with the indescribable adornments.’
This is known as the third contemplation, the visualization of the ground.’
The Buddha told Ananda,
‘You should uphold the Buddha’s words, and speak the Dharma of the Contemplation of the ground for all the future living beings who wish for a liberation from sufferings.’
‘If a man is able to contemplate the ground, his sinful offences of 80 billion Kalpas of birth and death will be eradicated.
After leaving the present body he will surely be born in the Pure Land in the next life. He will have no doubt in this.
Contemplate in this way is known as the Proper Contemplation. Other contemplations are known as deviant contemplation.’
The Buddha said to Ānanda and Vaidehī,
“After you have accomplished the visualization of the ground, next contemplate the jewel trees.
On contemplating the jewel trees, we contemplate them one by one.
We visualize the trees are grown in rows of seven layers.
Every tree is grown to a height of eight thousand Yojanas.
These jewel trees are fully replete with flowers and leaves of seven gems.
Every flower and leaf consist of a variety of jewel colours.
From the lapis-lazuli colour golden lights are emitted.
From the crystal colour red lights are emitted.
From the agate colour tridacna lights are emitted.
From the tridacna colour green pearly lights are emitted.
Corals, amber and myriad jewels are the shining decorations.
Wonderful pearly net covers the trees from above.
Above every tree is seven layers of nets.
Among the nets are 500 billion of wonderful flower palaces which resemble the palace of the Brahman King.’
Celestial youths can be seen among them naturally.
Every celestial youth wears the adornments of 500 billion sakra abhilagna mani gems.
The lights of the mani shine to a distant of a hundred yojanas. The lights resemble the combination of hundreds of billion suns and moons which are indescribable.
The myriad gems intervened among the sakra gems. Among the colours they are the most supreme colours.
All the jewel trees are well spaced in rows. The leaves are grown in neat order with wonderful flowers bloom among them.
On the flowers there are the seven gems fruits naturally.
Every leaf has the length and breadth equivalent to 25 yojanas.
The leaves are of thousands of colours with hundreds of designs just like the celestial ornaments.
There are a variety of wonderful flowers which are the golden Jambudvipa colour.
The flowers bloom like the spinning fire wheels among the leaves. All kind of fruits are bloomed in the shape of Sakra vase.’
‘There are lights which are transformed into dhvajas, banners, and immeasurable jewel canopies.
In the jewel canopies, all the Buddha work in the three thousand great thousand worlds can be seen.
The Buddha Lands in the ten directions also appear among them.
After seeing these trees, we should visualize the adornments in sequence.
We should contemplate the tree trunks, branches, leaves, flowers and fruits clearly.
This is known as the fourth contemplation, the visualization of trees.
Next, we will visualize the water.
This is how we visualize the water.
In the Land of Ultimate Bliss there are eight ponds of water.
Every pond of water is made up from seven gems.
The gems are soft and pliant and they are born from the wish-fulfilling kings of pearls.
They are divided into 14 streams.
Every stream comprises of the wonderful colours of seven gems.
The channels are made of gold. Under the channels, mixed coloured vajra are spread like sands at the bottom.
In every pond, there are 67 billion of seven jewel lotuses.
Every lotus has a circumference of 12 yojanas.
The mani water which are flowing among the flowers travel up and down the trees.
The mani water sings in a subtly wonderful sounds propounding the dharma of suffering, emptiness, impermanence, no-self and the various paramita.
Moreover, the mani water also praises the adorned countenance of all the Buddhas.
From the wish-fulfilling kings of pearls subtly wonderful golden lights are emitted.
The lights are transformed into colourful birds of myriad gems which sing in harmony, praising the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha in a sweet and melodious voice constantly.
This is the fifth contemplation, the visualization of the water of eight virtues.
‘In the Land of myriad gems, every part of the realm consists of 500 billion jewel bungalows.
Immeasurable celestial devas dwell among the bungalows and pavilions playing the heavenly music.
Moreover, some musical instruments are hung in the space just like the heavenly jewel banners. They play by themselves without the musicians.
The variety of sounds are teaching the mindfulness of the Buddha, the mindfulness of the Dharma and the mindfulness of the Sangha of Bhikshus.
When this visualization is accomplished, it is known as the superficial contemplation of the Jewel trees, jewel ground and jewel ponds in the World of Ultimate Bliss.
This is known as the sixth contemplation, a general visualization.
Those who have seen this will have immeasurable billion kalpas of heavy bad karma eradicated. After passing away they will surely be born in that Land.
Contemplating in this way is known as the proper contemplation. Other contemplations are known as deviant contemplation.’
The Buddha told Ananda and Vaidehi, ‘Listen carefully, listen carefully. Think about it deeply.
I will explain and differentiate for you the ways to eradicate sufferings and afflictions. You should remember them and uphold my words. You should widely explain and differentiate them for the multitude.’
After speaking this, Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha appeared to stand in the air.
He was attended by the two Great Beings, Avalokisteshvara and Mahasthamaprapta on his left and right.
In this extremely brilliant illumination, their appearance cannot be seen clearly.
Even hundreds of thousand Jambudvipa golden colours are incomparable to them.
At that time on seeing the Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha, Vaidehi made obeisance at the Buddha’s feet.
She said to the Buddha, ‘By relying on the Buddha’s strength I am able to see the Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha and the two Bodhisattvas.
For the future living beings, how are they going to see the Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha and the two Bodhisattvas?’
The Buddha told Vaidehi, ‘Those who desire to see that Buddha should thus contemplate. They should visualize a lotus flower on the Seven gems ground.
They should visualize every petal of the lotus is comprised of hundreds of jewel colours with 84 thousand veins that resemble the heavenly designs.
From the veins 84 thousand lights are emitted shiningly. Visualize this clearly.
Lotus flowers with small petals are 250 yojanas in length and breath.
Lotuses such like these consists of 84000 petals.
Among the petals are hundreds of billion mani kings of pearl as decorations.
Every mani pearl emits thousands of bright illuminations which resemble the canopies.
They are made from the seven jewels which pervasively cover the ground.
Sakra abhilagna mani gem is the platform.
This lotus platform is made from 80 thousand kiṃśuka-gems, Brahman mani gems and wonderful pearly nets as decoration.
This platform is naturally replete with four pillars of jewel dhavajas.
Every jewel dhvaja resembles hundreds of thousands billion Mount Sumeru.
The jewel curtains on the dhvajas resemble the curtains in the Yama heavenly palaces.
Moreover, 500 billion subtly wonderful jewel pearls shine forth as decoration.
Every jewel pearl emits 84000 lights.
Every light is transformed into 84000 golden lights of different hues.
Every golden light transforms itself into myriad unique forms everywhere it shines on, pervasively covering the Jewel Land.
Some are transformed into Vajra platform, some look like the pearly nets while others become the mixed flowery clouds.
In the ten directions they manifest with ease to conduct the Buddha work.’
‘This is the visualization of the flowery seat. This is known as the seventh contemplation.’
The Buddha told Ananda,
‘Such a wonderful flower is accomplished by the power of Dharmakara Bhikshu’s Vows.
Those who wish to be mindful of that Buddha must first visualize this flowery seat.
While visualizing the seat he must not mix it with other contemplations.
He should contemplate them one by one. Every petal, every pearl, every light, every platform, every dhvaja should be visualized clearly, just as if one is looking at the face in a mirror.
When this visualization is accomplished, fifty thousand billion kalpas of sinful birth and death are put into extinction. Such a man will surely be born in the World of Ultimate Bliss.’
‘Contemplating in this manner is called proper contemplation. Other contemplations are known as deviant contemplation.
The Buddha told Ananda and Vaidehi, ‘After visualizing this, we will visualize the Buddha.
Why is this so?
All the Buddhas Thus Come One are the body of the Dharma Realm.
They enter the mind of all living beings.
That is why when you are thinking of the Buddha, your mind is the 32 marks, the 80 subtle adornments.
The mind becomes the Buddha, the mind is the Buddha.
The sea-like proper and pervasive knowledge of all Buddhas arises from the mind.
That is why you should single-mindedly be mindful and contemplate that Buddha, Tathagatha, Arahant Samyaksam Buddha exclusively.’
‘On visualizing the Buddha, one must first visualize the image.
With our eyes close or open you can see a jewel image which resembles the Jambudvipa gold sitting on that lotus.
On seeing the sitting image, the mind eyes are open and you will clearly see the adornment of seven gems in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.
You can also see the jewel ground, jewel ponds, the rows of jewel trees with the various heavenly canopies hanging down from above.
All kinds of jewel nets pervasively cover up the space.
You should see this manifestation clearly just as though you are looking at your palm.
After seeing this you should visualize a big lotus on the left of the Buddha.
It is exactly the same as the former lotus.
Again, you should visualize another big lotus on the right of the Buddha.
Visualize the golden image of Avalokisteshvara Bodhisattva sitting on the left lotus platform in the same way as before.
Visualize the Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva image sitting on the right lotus platform.
When this visualization is accomplished, the images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas will emit bright lights.
The golden lights shine on the jewel trees.
Under each tree there are three lotuses.
Standing on the lotuses are the images of one Buddha and two Bodhisattvas who pervasively fill up the Buddha Land.’
‘When this visualization is accomplished, the practitioner will hear the sounds of flowing water, will see the bright illumination, and all the jewel trees, the ducks, geese and the mandarin ducks are speaking the wonderful dharma.
He will constantly hear the wonderful dharma while dwelling in concentration or not in concentration.
On hearing the dharma, the cultivator will constantly think about the dharma without renouncing it even after exiting concentration so that the teaching is in accord with the Sutras.
If it is not in accord with the Sutra, it is known as the false thoughts.
If the teaching is in accord with the Sutras, it is known as a general visualization of the World of Ultimate Bliss.
This is the visualization of images and it is known as the eighth contemplation.’
Those who contemplate in this way eradicate immeasurable billion kalpas of sinful birth and death. In this present form he will attain the Samadhi of Buddha Recitation.’
The Buddha told Ananda and Vaidehi, ‘After you have accomplished this visualization, you should then contemplate the physical marks and bright illumination of Amitabha Buddha.
Ananda, you should know this. The body of Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha resembles the hundreds of thousand million kotis of Jambunadasuvarna purplish golden colour in the Yama Heaven.
The height of the Buddha is equivalent to 60 million kotis Nayuta of Ganges Sands Yojanas.
The white light-tuft emitting between the eyebrows swirling in circles to the right resembles the size of five Mount Sumeru.
The Buddha’s eyes resemble the four great ocean water in distinct blue and white.
The hair pores on his body are flooded with bright illumination that resembles the Mount Sumeru.
The aureole light (round light) of the Buddha resembles the hundreds of kotis three thousand great thousand worlds.
In the aureole light there are hundreds of millions kotis Nayuta Ganges Sands of Transformation Buddhas.
Every Transformation Buddha is attended by incalculable, innumerable bodhisattvas.’
The Buddha of Immeasurable Lifespan is replete with 84000 marks.
Every mark is replete with the 84 thousand subtle adornments.
Every subtle adornment emits 84 thousand bright illumination.
Every bright illumination pervasively shines on living beings who recite the Buddha’s Name in the worlds in the ten directions, gathering them in without renouncing them.’
It is impossible to describe his bright illumination, his adorned countenance and the Transformation Buddhas fully.
You should be mindful of the Buddha, visualize him and you will see him in your mind.
Those who see this are seeing all the Buddha in the ten directions.
As they are able to see all the Buddha, this is known as the Samadhi of Amitabha recitation.
Those who contemplate in this way is known as the contemplation of the body of all Buddhas.
As you can contemplate the Buddha’s body, you can also see the Buddha’s mind.
The Buddha’s Mind is Great Kindness and Great Compassion.
With the Unconditional Kindness he gathers in all living beings.’
Those who cultivate this contemplation will be born before the Buddha after leaving the present form body.
They will attain the Patience of No-birth.
That is why a wise man should concentrate his mind to contemplate the Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha single-mindedly.’
Those who wish to contemplate the Buddha of Immeasurable Lifespan should start the contemplation from one subtly adorned mark.
He should contemplate the white tuft of lights between the eyebrows so that it can be seen very clearly.
Those who see the mark of the white tuft of lights between the eyebrows will see the 84 thousand subtly adorned marks revealing themselves naturally.
Once you can see the Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha you are also seeing the immeasurable Buddha in the ten directions.
As you can see the Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha, all the Buddha will appear before you to bestow upon you the Prediction of Bodhi. ‘
‘This is known as the pervasive contemplation the marks of all the form bodies and this is known as the ninth contemplation.
‘Contemplating in this way is known as the Proper contemplation. Other contemplations are known as deviant contemplation.’
The Buddha told Ananda and Vaidehi,
‘After you have seen the Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha distinctly clear you should next contemplate Avalokisteshvara Bodhisattva.
This Bodhisattva is 80 million kotis Nayuta yojanas in height.
The body is purplish gold in colour and there is a flesh mound at the summit of his head.
The face and the neck are surrounded by an aureole which is hundreds of thousands yojanas.
In the circular light of the aureole are 500 transformation Buddhas who resemble Sakyamuni Buddha.
Every transformation Buddha is attended by 500 transformation Bodhisattvas and immeasurable heavenly devas.
In the bright illumination of his body living beings on the five paths appear clearly in all kinds of distinct forms.
He wears a heavenly crown made of śakra-abhilagna-maṇi-gems.
A transformation Buddha of 25 yojanas is standing on his crown.
Avalokistesvara Bodhisattva is adorned with a Jambunadasuvarna purplish golden face.
Between his eyebrows is a tuft mark with the colour of seven jewels.
From the tuft mark 84 thousand bright illuminations come forth.
In every bright illumination there are immeasurable, innumerable hundreds of thousand Transformation Buddhas.
Every Transformation Buddha is attended by innumerable transformation Bodhisattvas.
They transform with great ease, filling up the worlds in the ten directions.’
‘His arms resemble the red lotus colour.
He is adorned with 80 kotis subtly wonderful bright lights as ornaments.
In the ornaments all kinds of adorned matters are pervasively revealed.
His palms are the colour of 500 kotis mixed coloured lotuses.
At the tips of every ten fingers, there are 84000 designs which resemble the distinct patterns on the seals.
Every design comprises of 84000 colours.
Every colour emits 84000 lights.
The lights are soft and subdued which shine pervasively on everything.
With these jewel hands he leads and guides living beings to the Pure Land.’
When he raises his foot, under his foot the wheel of thousand spokes transforms naturally into 500 kotis shining pedestal.
When he steps down, vajra mani flowers spread out everywhere fully occupy the ground.’
His other bodily marks are replete with subtly wonderful adornments just the same as the Buddha.
The only differences are the fleshy mound, the mark of invisible summit. They are incomparable to the World Honoured One.
These are the genuine bodily marks of Avalokistesvara Bodhisattva. This is known as the tenth contemplation. ‘
The Buddha told Ananda, ‘If you desire to visualize Avalokistesvara Bodhisattva you should thus contemplate.
Those who contemplate in this way will be free from disasters. Their karmic hindrances are purified as innumerable kalpas of sinful birth and death are eradicated.
Just by listening to the Name of this Bodhisattva one will obtain immeasurable blessings. What is more if he can contemplate the Bodhisattva distinctly?’
Those who wish to contemplate Avalokistesvara Bodhisattva should first contemplate the fleshy mound on top of his head.
Next, they should contemplate the heavenly crown followed by other adorned marks in sequence so that they can see him clearly just like contemplating their palms.
Contemplating in this way is known as Proper Contemplation. Other contemplations are known as deviant contemplation.’
‘Next, we will contemplate Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva.
The height of this Bodhisattva is the same as Avalokistesvara Bodhisattva.
His aureole and his face are each 125 yojanas which illumine to a distance of 250 yojanas.
The whole body is enveloped in bright purplish golden illumination that shine on all Lands in the ten directions.
Those who have affinities with him will be able to see him.
If we can see the light of one hair pore of this bodhisattva, we are in fact seeing the wonderfully pure bright illumination of immeasurable Buddhas in the ten directions.
That is why this Bodhisattva is known as the limitless lights Bodhisattva.’
‘With the wisdom lights he pervasively shines on all living beings so that they will leave the three evil paths and obtain the Unsurpassed strength.
That is why this Bodhisattva is known as the Advent of Great Strength Bodhisattva.’
‘On the heavenly crown of this Bodhisattva are 500 jewel lotuses.
Every lotus comprises of 500 jewel pedestals.
On every pedestal there appears the broad and expansive wonderfully Pure Lands of all the Buddhas in the ten directions.
The fleshy mound on the summit of his head shapes like a padma flower.
On top of the fleshy mound is a jewel vase which contains the bright lights, revealing the Buddha’s work pervasively.
His other body marks are exactly like Avalokistesvara, without any differences.’
When this Bodhisattva is walking, the worlds in the ten directions will start to vibrate.
At the dwelling of vibration there comes forth 500 kotis jewel lotuses.
Every jewel flower is most lofty and adorned, just like those in the World of Ultimate Bliss.
When the Bodhisattva takes a seat, the Lands of seven gems start to tremble and move at the same time.
‘Between the two Lands, that is from the Bright Illumination Buddha Land in the nadir direction until the Bright Illumination King Buddha Land in the zenith direction, immeasurable dust motes transformation bodies of Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha, the transformation bodies of Avalokistesvara Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva all come together like a cloud at the Land of Ultimate Bliss.’
‘They fully occupy the empty space when they reveal themselves sitting on the lotus pedestal to speak the wonderful dharma to rescue the suffering beings.’
Contemplating in this way is known as the contemplation of Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva.
This is the contemplation of the form body of Mahasthamaprapta.
Contemplating this Bodhisattva is known as the eleventh contemplation.’
‘Those who contemplate this bodhisattva will have the immeasurable kalpas of asamkheyas sins of birth and death eradicated.
Contemplating in this way enables one to be free from the birth as foetus in the wombs. He will often travel to all the pure and wonderful Buddha Lands.’
With the accomplishment of this contemplation, it is known as the full contemplation of Avalokistesvara and Mahasthamaprapta.’
‘On seeing this, you should always give rise to a mind to seek a rebirth in the Western World of Ultimate Bliss, that you are sitting in full-lotus posture in the lotus flower.
You should visualize the closing of the lotus, the opening of the lotus.’
When the lotus blooms, 500 coloured lights are shining on you.
You should visualize your eyes are open and you can see the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas fully occupy the empty space.
You can hear the water, birds, forests and all the Buddha are propounding the wonderful dharma which are in accord with the 12 division canons of Sutras. ‘
‘Even if you are not in meditation you should still be mindful of them continually.’
After seeing these happenings, it is known as seeing the World of Ultimate Bliss of Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha.
This is the visualization of pervasive contemplation. This is known as the twelfth contemplation.’
‘Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha in the numerous transformation bodies will often come to the dwelling of this cultivator, together with Avalokistesvara and Mahasthamaprapta.’
The Buddha told Ananda and Vaidehi,
‘Those who sincerely desire to be born in the Western Land should visualize a 16 feet Buddha image standing on the pond.
As we have mentioned before, Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha is replete with a limitless body.
It is impossible for a mundane man to visualize him.
But because of the past vows of the Thus Come One, those who visualize him, who are thinking of him will surely accomplish it.
If you can visualize the Buddha image, you will reap immeasurable blessings. What is more if you can fully contemplate the physical adornment of the Buddha? ‘
The spiritual penetration of Amitabha Buddha is all at ease. He can manifest at ease in the lands in the ten directions.
He may manifest a huge body that fully fills up the empty space.
Or he may manifest a small body which is 16 feet or 8 feet in height.
He will always reveal a genuine golden body.
The aureole, the transformation Buddhas and the jewel lotuses are as described above.’
‘At all places, Avalokistesvara and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva will reveal the form body just the same as living beings.
We can know if he is Avalokistesvara or Mahasthamaprapta by looking at the adornments on their heads.
These two bodhisattvas help Amitabha Buddha to transform all living beings pervasively.’
‘This is the thirteen Contemplation, the mixed visualization.’
The Buddha told Ananda and Vaidehi, ‘The attainment of a rebirth on the top position in the superior grade are living beings who desire to be born in that Land. They have brought forth the three types of mind to attain a rebirth.
What are the three minds?
- A mind of total sincerity 2. A deep mind 3. A mind of transference and bringing forth of vows.
Those who are replete with the three minds are guaranteed of a rebirth in that Land.’
‘Moreover, there are three types of living beings who will also attain a rebirth.
What are the three?
1. The kind ones who abstain from killing, who are replete with the myriad conduct of precepts.
2. People who read and recite a wide scope of Great Vehicle Sutras.
3. People who cultivate the six mindfulness. They transfer their merits and vow to attain a rebirth in that Land.
With the cultivation of these merits and virtues for one day or even seven days, they will attain a rebirth.’
As this man is diligent and courageous in his practice, when he is born in that Land, Amitabha Thus Come One, Avalokistesvara, Mahasthamaprapta and innumerable Transformation Buddhas, hundreds of thousand great assemblies of Bhikshus, Sravaka, immeasurable celestial beings, palaces of seven jewels will come forth.
Avalokistesvara Bodhisattva who is holding a Vajra pedestal will come together with Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva before the cultivator.
Amitabha Buddha emits a great illumination that shine on the body of the cultivator.
The Buddha and all the Bodhisattvas extend their hands to welcome him.
Avalokistesvara, Mahasthamaprapta and innumerable bodhisattvas praise the cultivator and give him the exhortation.
On seeing them the cultivator rejoices and he sees himself travel on the Vajra pedestal, following behind the Buddha.
In a snap of the fingers, he is born in that Land.’
After he is born in that Land, he can see the form body of the Buddha replete with the myriad adorned marks, the form bodies of all the bodhisattvas with the repletion of myriad adorned marks.
The brightly light up jewel forests are propounding the wonderful dharma.
After hearing the dharma, he is enlightened to the Patience of No Birth. In a short instant he is able to make offerings to all the Buddhas and wait upon them pervasively in the realms in the ten directions.
He receives the prediction of Buddhahood before every Buddha.
After returning to his original Land, he attains immeasurable hundreds of thousand Dharani Doors. This is known as the cultivator who attain the top position in the Superior Grade Lotus.
Those who are born in the medium position of the Superior grade do not have to uphold, read and recite a wide scope of Sutras.
They clearly understand the aims and meaning of the Sutras. They are not frightened on hearing the Ultimate Foremost Meaning as they deeply have faith in causes and effects.
They will not slander the Great Vehicle Teachings.
With these merits and virtues, they transfer them and vow to seek a rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.
At the death bed, the cultivator of this practice will see Amitabha Buddha, together with Avalokistesvara, Mahasthamaprapta and immeasurable great assemblies of retinues surrounding him.
Amitabha Buddha carries a purplish golden pedestal comes before him and praises,
‘Dharma son, you cultivate in accord with the Great Vehicle Teaching and understand the Foremost Meanings. That is why now I am here to welcome you.’
Together with a thousand Buddhas they extend their hands to lead him. ‘
‘The cultivator sees himself sitting on the purplish golden pedestal.
He places his palms together and praises all the Buddhas.
In the instant of one thought he is born in the pond of seven jewels in that Land.
This purplish golden pedestal resembles a great jewel lotus that will open after one night.’
‘The cultivator body is transformed into purplish golden colour.
He is also standing on the seven jewel lotuses.
The Buddha and the Bodhisattvas emit lights together to shine on him.
His eyes are open with clarity. Because of his former habits, he hears all kinds of sounds that only propound the profound Truth of the Foremost Meanings.
He immediately descends the golden pedestal, places his palms together to make obeisance to the Buddha. He praises the World Honoured One.’
After seven days he instantly attains non-retrogression in Annutaraksamyaksambodhi.
Instantly he is able to fly pervasively to the ten directions to make offerings and attend to all the Buddhas.
He practises the myriad Samadhi at the dwelling of the Buddhas. After one small kalpas he attains the Patience of No-birth and receive the prediction of Buddhahood before the Buddha.’
This is known as the medium position of the Superior Grade Lotus.
The cultivator at the lowest position of the Superior grade also has faith in causes and effect. He does not slander the Great Vehicle.
Besides, he has brought forth the Unsurpassed Bodhi Mind. With these merits and virtues, he transfers them and vows to seek a rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.’
At his death bed, Amitabha Buddha together with Avalokistesvara, Mahasthamaprapta and all the Bodhisattvas, holds a golden lotus, together with 500 Transformation Buddha come forth to welcome him.
The 500 Transformation Buddha extend their hands at the same time and praise thus,
‘Dharma son. You are pure now and you have brought forth the Unsurpassed Bodhi Mind. We are here to welcome you.’
On seeing this, he sees himself sitting on the golden lotus.
After sitting down, the lotus closes up and he follows behind the World Honoured One and instantly he attains a rebirth in the pond of seven gems.
After one day and night, the lotus blooms.
He will only see the Buddha after seven days.
Though he can see the Buddha, he cannot see the subtly adorned marks distinctly.
After 21 days he will see the Buddha clearly.
He hears all kinds of sounds that propound the wonderful dharma.
He travels to the ten directions to make offerings to all the Buddhas.
He is able to listen to the profound dharma before all the Buddhas.
After three small kalpas he attains the Door of Clarity of a hundred Dharma and dwells on the Ground of Bliss.
This is known as a rebirth at the lowest position of the Superior Grade. This is the 14th contemplation, the visualization of rebirth in the Superior grades.
The Buddha told Ananda and Vaidehi,
‘The rebirth of those who are born in the top position of the medium grade are living beings who receive and uphold the five precepts, the eight precepts and cultivate in accord with the precepts.
They do not commit the five rebellious acts and are free from all kinds of faults.
With these good roots they transfer and vow to seek a rebirth in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss.’
‘When such a man is about to pass away, Amitabha Buddha together with the retinues of Bhikshus emits the golden lights and comes to his dwelling place.
He propounds to him the dharma on sufferings, emptiness, impermanence and no-self.
He praises him for leaving the homelife that he is able to leave all kinds of sufferings.
On seeing this, the cultivator rejoices and he sees himself sitting on the lotus pedestal.
He kneels down respectfully and places his palms together to make obeisance to the Buddha. Before he raises his head, he is already born in the World of Ultimate Bliss.
The lotus blooms immediately.
While the lotus is blooming, he hears all kinds of sounds praising the Four Noble Truths.
Instantly he attains the Arahant Path and is replete with the three clarity, six spiritual penetrations and eight liberations.
This is known as a rebirth at the top position of the Medium Grade Lotus.’
Those who are born in the middle position of the Medium Grade Lotuses are living beings who uphold the eight precepts for one day and one night,
Or who upholds the Shramanera Precepts for one day and one night,
Or who upholds the Bhikshu full precepts for one day and one night without any transgressions in our awesome deportment.
With these they transfer the merits and virtues and vow to seek a rebirth in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.’
With the permeation of fragrant precepts, the cultivator will see Amitabha Buddha together with his retinues emitting golden lights, carrying a lotus of seven jewels come before him when he is about to pass away.
The cultivator hears the sound in the empty space that praises him,
‘Good man, as you are a good man who abide by the teaching of the Buddhas in the three periods of time, I am here to welcome you!’
The cultivator sees himself sitting on the lotus flower and it closes. He is born in the Western World of Ultimate Bliss.’
After dwelling in the Jewel Pond for seven days the lotus will bloom.
When the flower opens up, he opens his eyes and puts his palms together to praise the World Honoured One.
On hearing the dharma, he is greatly joyful and attains the position of Sotapanna. After half a kalpa he accomplishes Arahantship.’
This is known as a rebirth in the middle position of the Medium Grade Lotus.’
‘Those who are born in the lowest position of the Medium Grade Lotuses are good man and good woman who are filial and take good care of their parents. In the world, they practise humaneness and compassion.
When such a man is about to pass away, he encounters a good knowing adviser who tells him extensively on the blissful matters in the Land of Amitabha Buddha.
He was also told about the 48 Vows of Dharmakara Bhikshu.
After listening to this he passes away immediately.
In the duration of time taken for a strong man to bend and stretch his arms, he attains a rebirth in the Western World of Ultimate Bliss.
After seven days, he encounters Avalokistesvara and Mahasthamaprapta.
On hearing the Dharma, he is overjoyed and attains Sotapanna. After one small Kalpa he becomes an Arahant.
This is known as the lowest position of the Medium Grade Lotus. This is the visualization of the rebirth in the Medium Grade Lotus. This is known as the 15th Contemplation.’
The Buddha told Ananda and Vaidehi, ‘Those who are born in the top position of the Inferior Grade are living beings who have committed all kinds of evil karma but they do not slander the wide scope of Mahayana Sutras.
Such a deluded man has committed lots of evil dharma without feeling remorseful.
At his death bed he encounters a good knowing adviser who speaks for him the titles of the 12 canons of Great Vehicle Sutras.
As he has listened to the names of these Sutras, his acute evil karma of a thousand kalpas are eradicated.
The wise man again teaches him to put him palms together to recite Namo Amitabha Buddha.
By reciting the name of the Buddha 50 billion kalpas of sinful birth and death are eradicated.
At that time, the Buddha sends the transformation Buddha, transformation Avalokistesvara and transformation Mahasthamaprapta before the cultivator.
He praises, ‘Good man, as you have recited the Buddha’s Name all the sins are put to extinction. I am here to welcome you.’
After speaking thus, the cultivator sees that his room is flooded with the light of the transformation Buddha.
On seeing this he is so happy and he passes away.
He sits on the jewel lotus and follow the transformation Buddha to attain a rebirth in the jewel pond.
After seven weeks his lotus blooms.
When the flower is blooming, Avalokistesvara Bodhisattva of Great Compassion together with Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva are standing before him, emitting great lights to shine on him, teaching him the profoundly deep sutras in the twelve canons.
After listening, he has faith in them and understands the dharma. He brings forth the Unsurpassed Bodhi Mind.
After ten small kalpas he is replete with the Door of a hundred dharma of clarity and enters the first Ground of Bodhisattva.
This is known as the top position in the Inferior Grade Lotus.’
The Buddha told Ananda and Vaidehi, ‘Those who are born in the middle position of the Inferior Grade are living beings who have transgressed the five precepts, the eight precepts and the Bhikshu Full precepts.
Such a deluded man steals from the Sangha, steal the things belong to the monks in the temple, speaks the Dharma with impure motives, without feeling remorseful.
He adorns himself with all kinds of evil karma.
Such a sinful offender with the evil karma should fall into the hell.
Before passing away, the fire burning from the hell comes forth at the same time.’
He encounters a good knowing adviser who praises for him the Ten Strengths of awesome virtues of Amitabha Buddha,
Who praises for him pervasively the bright illumination of that Buddha and his spiritual penetration.
He also praises for him the precepts, concentration and wisdom, liberation, the knowledge and views of liberation.
After listening to this, 80 billion kalpas of sinful birth and death are eradicated.
The fire from the hell is transformed into a cooling breeze and blow down the heavenly flowers.
On the flowers are transformation Buddhas and Bodhisattvas who come forth to welcome this man.’
In just an instant of a thought he is born in a lotus in the pond of seven jewels.
After dwelling in the lotus for six kalpas the lotus blooms.
Avalokistesvara, Mahasthamaprapta console this man with their Brahman Sounds and teach him the profound Sutras of the Great Vehicle.
After listening to this Dharma, he instantly brings forth the Unsurpassed Bodhi Mind.
This is known as a rebirth in the middle position of the Inferior Grade.
The Buddha told Ananda and Vaidehi, ‘Those who are born in the lowest position of the Inferior Grade Lotus are living beings who have committed the unwholesome karma, the five rebellious acts, the ten evils and all kinds of bad deeds.
Because of the evil karma, such a deluded man will fall into the evil paths for many kalpas to undergo unending sufferings.’
‘But at his death bed, such a deluded man encounters a good knowing adviser who consoles him in many ways,
Who speaks the wonderful dharma for him,
Who teaches him to recite the Buddha’s Name.
The man is overcome by great afflictions and he is unable to be mindful of the Buddha.
The good friend tells him, “If you are unable to be mindful of the Buddha, you should recite Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha.
You should recite sincerely, in a continual voice of ten recitations, calling on Namo Amitabha Buddha.’
‘As he calls on the Buddha’s Name, in every recitation, 80 billion kalpas of sinful birth and death are eradicated.’
At the instant of passing away he sees a golden lotus that resembles the sun wheel appears before him.
In the span of one thought he attains a rebirth in the World of Ultimate Bliss.
He dwells in the lotus for 12 full Great Kalpas before it blooms.
Avalokistesvara, Mahasthamaprapta with their great Brahman Sounds speak for him pervasively the Genuine mark of all dharma to eradicate the sinful dharma.
After listening to the teaching, he rejoices and instantly he brings forth the Bodhi Mind.’
‘This is known as the rebirth at the lowest position in the Inferior Grade. This is the visualization of the rebirth of the Inferior Grade. I t is known as the 16th Contemplation. ‘
At the time the Buddha was speaking, Vaidehi and her 500 maids listened to the Buddha’s teaching and saw the broad and expansive marks of the World of Ultimate Bliss instantly.
On seeing the Buddha and the two Bodhisattvas she rejoiced and exclaimed that she had never seen such happenings before.
Her mind is open up as she was enlightened to the Patience of No-birth.
Her 500 maids brought forth the Mind of Annutaraksamyaksambodhi and vowed to be born in that Land.
The World Honoured One gave them the guarantee that all of them will attain a rebirth.
After they are born in that Land, they will obtain the Samadhi of seeing all the Buddha before them.
Immeasurable heavenly beings brought forth the Unsurpassed Mind.
At that time Ananda stood up from his seat. He said to the Buddha,
‘World Honoured One, what should we call this Sutra? How do we receive and uphold the core teaching of this Dharma?’
The Buddha told Ananda, ‘This Sutra is known as the Contemplation of the Land of Ultimate Bliss, the Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha, Avalokistesvara Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva.
It is also known as the clearance of the karmic obstacles to be born before the Buddha.
You should receive and uphold this teaching and not to forget it.
Those who practise this Samadhi will be able to see Immeasurable Lifespan and the two Great Beings in this life.
If a good man or a good woman who only hear the Buddha’s Name and the Names of the two Bodhisattvas, he is able to have his immeasurable kalpas of sinful birth and death eradicated. What is more if a man can be mindful of them?
If a man is mindful and recite the Buddha’s Name, you should know this man is the pundarika flower among all other men.
Avalokistesvara Bodhisattva and Mahasthamaprapta Bodhisattva are his supreme friends.
He will soon sit in the Way Place and he will be born into the Buddha’s Family.’
The Buddha told Ananda, ‘You should keep my words in mind. You must remember these words, that is you should uphold the Name of the Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha.’
When the Buddha was speaking these words, the Honoured One Maudgalyayana, the Honoured One Ananda, Vaidehi and others greatly rejoiced on hearing the teaching of the Buddha.
At that time the World Honoured One walked in the air and returned to Vulture Peak.
At that time, Ananda spoke extensively to the Great assembly on the above matters.
On hearing the Buddha’s teaching, immeasurable celestial beings, dragons, yaksas greatly rejoiced and they made obeisance to the Buddha. Then they departed.
The end
The Buddha speaks the Sutra of the Contemplation of Immeasurable Lifespan Buddha
I'm ORI the Light 