Chapters 25 and 26 -- Where can I find them?
-
OregonBuddhist
- Posts: 130
- Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2012 8:28 pm
- Location: Oregon
- Contact:
Chapters 25 and 26 -- Where can I find them?
Does anyone know a website that has the Shindoku and Romanji for chapters 25 and 26? We worked with this yesterday at the Nichiren temple, and I got lost. I don't want that to happen again. Thanks.
Re: Chapters 25 and 26 -- Where can I find them?
Hi OregonBuddhist,
Check this link from the Indonesian Nichiren Shu site: http://www.nshi.org/?page_id=621 for Chapter 26. It seems to me this is a scan from from the Yohon, a collection of chapters from the Lotus Sutra that is used in Nichiren Shu services. You can also purchase it at Nichiren Shu International Centre: http://www.nichiren-shu.org/books/yohon.html or you could ask the minister at the temple.
I could not find chapter 25 in Shindoku.
Please don't bother that you don't know the shindoku, that'll come in time. Don't let it prevent you from going to a service. If you go to a Nichiren Shu temple in Japan, or view one of the many YouTube clips, you'll notice that the congregation present in ceremonies hardly participates in reciting the sutra. So you are not alone
Gassho,
Paul
Check this link from the Indonesian Nichiren Shu site: http://www.nshi.org/?page_id=621 for Chapter 26. It seems to me this is a scan from from the Yohon, a collection of chapters from the Lotus Sutra that is used in Nichiren Shu services. You can also purchase it at Nichiren Shu International Centre: http://www.nichiren-shu.org/books/yohon.html or you could ask the minister at the temple.
I could not find chapter 25 in Shindoku.
Please don't bother that you don't know the shindoku, that'll come in time. Don't let it prevent you from going to a service. If you go to a Nichiren Shu temple in Japan, or view one of the many YouTube clips, you'll notice that the congregation present in ceremonies hardly participates in reciting the sutra. So you are not alone
Gassho,
Paul
-
noisemonkey
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2012 11:35 pm
Re: Chapters 25 and 26 -- Where can I find them?
There is a guy working on a new translation : http://dharmagateway.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; but he hasn't got to those chapters yet.
-
OregonBuddhist
- Posts: 130
- Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2012 8:28 pm
- Location: Oregon
- Contact:
Re: Chapters 25 and 26 -- Where can I find them?
Thank you for all of the resources. I actually got a chance to talk to the priest, and she loaned me some xerox copies of Chapters 25 and 26. So, I'll make my own copy, and then I'll have something to practice with. Thank you again everyone!
-
noisemonkey
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2012 11:35 pm
Re: Chapters 25 and 26 -- Where can I find them?
The Lotus Sutra
Translated by Burton Watson
Chapter Twenty-five: The Universal Gate of Bodhisattva Kanzeon
At that time the bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent immediately rose from his
seat, bared his right shoulder, pressed his palms together and, facing the
Buddha, spoke these words: "World Honored One, this Bodhisattva Perceiver of the
World's Sounds-- why is he called Perceiver of the World's Sounds?"
The Buddha said to Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent: "Good man, suppose there
are immeasurable hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, millions of living beings
who are undergoing various trials and suffering. If they hear of this
Bodhisattva Perceiver of the Word's Sounds and single-mindedly call his name,
then at once he will perceive the sound of their voices and they will all gain
deliverance from their trials.
If someone, holding fast to the name of bodhisattva perceiver of the world's
sounds, should enter a great fire, the fire could not burn him. This would come
about because of this bodhisattva's authority and supernatural power. If one
were washed away by a great flood and call upon his name, one would immediately
find himself in a shallow place.
"Suppose there were a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, a million living beings
who, seeking for gold, silver, lapis lazuli, seashell, agate, coral, amber,
pearls, and other treasures, set out on the great sea. and suppose a fierce wind
should blow their ship off course and it drifted to the land of raksasas demons.
If among those people there is even just one who calls the name of Bodhisattva
Perceiver of the World's sounds, then all those people will be delivered from
their troubles with the raksasas. This is why he is called Perceiver of the
World's Sounds.
"If a person who faces imminent threat of attack should call the name of
Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's sounds, then the swords and staves wielded
by his attackers would instantly shatter into so many pieces and he would be
delivered.
Thought enough yakshas and raksasas to fill all the thousand-million-fold world
should try to come and torment a person, if they hear him calling the name of
Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds, then these evil demons will not
even be able to look at him with their evil eyes, much less do him harm.
"Suppose, in a place filled with all the evil-hearted bandits of the thousand-
million-fold world, there is a merchant leader who is guiding a band of
merchants carrying valuable treasures over a steep and dangerous road, and that
one man shouts out these words: 'Good men, do not be afraid! You must single-
mindedly call on the name of Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds. This
bodhisattva can grant fearlessness to living beings. If you call his name, you
will be delivered from these evil-hearted bandits!' When the band if merchants
hear this, they all together raise their voices, saying, 'Hail to the
Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds!' And because they call his name,
they are at once able to gain deliverance. Inexhaustible Intent, the authority
and supernatural power of the Bodhisattva and mahasattva Perceiver of the
World's Sounds are as mighty as this!
"If there should be living beings beset by numerous lusts and cravings, let them
think with constant reverence of Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds and
then they can shed their desires. If they have great wrath and ire, let them
think with constant reverence of Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds and
then they can shed their ire. If they have great ignorance and stupidity, let
them think with constant reverence of Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's
Sounds and they can rid themselves of stupidity.
"Inexhaustible Intent, the Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds possesses
great authority and supernatural powers, as I have described, and can confer
many benefits. For this reason, living beings should constantly keep the thought
of him in mind.
"If a woman wishes to give birth to a male child, she should offer obeisance and
alms to Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds and then she will bear a son
blessed with merit, virtue, and wisdom. And if she wishes to bear a daughter,
she will bear one with al the marks of comeliness, one who in the past planted
the roots of virtue and is loved and respected by many persons.
"Inexhaustible Intent, the Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds has power
to do all this. If there are living beings who pay respect and obeisance to
Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds, their good fortune will not be
fleeting or vain. Therefore living beings should all accept and uphold the name
of Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds.
"Inexhaustible Intent, suppose there is a person who accepts and upholds the
names of as many bodhisattvas as there are sands in sixty-two million Ganges,
and for as long as his present body lasts, he offers them alms in the form of
food and drink, clothing, bedding and medicines. What is your opinion? Would
this good man or good woman gain many benefits or would he not?"
Inexhaustible Intent replied, "They would be very many, World-Honored One."
The Buddha said: "Suppose also that there is a person who accepts and upholds
the name of Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds and even just once
offers him obeisance and alms. The good fortune pained by these two persons
would be exactly equal and without difference. For a hundred, a thousand, ten
thousand, a million kalpas it would never be exhausted or run out. Inexhaustible
Intent, if one accepts and upholds the name of Bodhisattva Perceiver of the
World's Sounds, he will gain the benefit of merit and virtue that is as
immeasurable and boundless as this!"
Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One,
Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds-- how does he come and go in this
saha world? How does he preach the Law for the sake of living beings? How does
the power of expedient means apply in this case?"
The Buddha said to Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent: "Good man, if there are
living beings in the land who need someone in the body of a Buddha in order to
be saved, Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds immediately manifests
himself in a Buddha body and preaches the Law for them. If they need someone in
a pratyekabuddha's body in order to be saved, immediately he manifests a
pratyekabuddha's body and preaches the Law to them. If the need a voice-hearer
to be saved, immediately he becomes a voice-hearer and preaches the Law for
them. If they need King Brahma to be saved, immediately he becomes King Brahma
and preaches the Law for them. If they need the lord Shakra to be saved,
immediately he becomes the lord Shakra and preaches the Law for them. If they
need the heavenly being Freedom to be saved, immediately he becomes the heavenly
being Freedom and preaches the Law for them. If they need a great general of
heaven to be saved, immediately he becomes a great general of heaven and
preaches the Law for them. If they need Vaishravana to be saved, immediately he
becomes Vaishravana and preaches the Law for them. If they need a petty king to
be saved, immediately he becomes a petty king and preaches the law for them.
If they need a rich man to be saved, immediately he becomes a rich man and
preaches the Law for them. If they need a householder to be saved, immediately
he becomes a householder and preaches the Law for them. If they need a chief
minister to be saved, immediately he becomes a chief minister and preaches the
Law for them. If they need a Brahman to be saved, immediately he becomes a
Brahman and preaches the Law for them. If they need a monk, a nun, a layman
believer, or a laywoman believer and preaches the Law for them. If they need the
wife of a rich man, of a householder, a chief minister, or a Brahman to be
saved, immediately he becomes those wives and preaches the Law for them. If they
need a young boy or a young girl and preaches the Law for them. If they need a
heavenly being, a dragon, a yaksha, a gandharva, an asura, a garuda, a kimnara,
a mahoraga, a human or a nonhuman being to be saved, immediately he becomes all
of these and preaches the Law for them. If they need a vajra-bearing god and
preaches the Law for them.
"Inexhaustible Intent, this Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds has
succeeded in acquiring benefits such as these and. Taking on a variety of
different forms, goes about among the lands saving living beings. For this
reason you and the others should single-mindedly offer alms to Bodhisattva
Perceiver of the World's Sounds can bestow fearlessness on those who are in
fearful, pressing or difficult circumstances. That is why in this saha world
everyone calls him Bestower of Fearlessness."
"Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, now I
must offer alms to Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds."
Then he took from his neck a necklace adorned with numerous precious gems, worth
a hundred or a thousand taels of gold, and presented it to [the bodhisattva],
saying, "Sir, please accept this necklace of precious gems as a gift in the
Dharma."
At that time Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds was unwilling to accept
the gift.
Inexhaustible Intent spoke once more to Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's
Sounds, saying, "Sir, out of compassion for us, please accept this necklace."
Then the Buddha said to Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds, "Out of
compassion for this Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent and for the four kinds of
believers, the heavenly kings, dragons, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas,
kimnaras, mahoragas, human and nonhuman beings, you should accept this
necklace."
Thereupon Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds, having compassion for the
four kinds of believers and the heavenly beings, dragons, human and nonhuman
beings and the others, accepted the necklace and, dividing it into two parts,
presented one part to Shakyamuni Buddha and presented the other to the tower of
the Buddha Many Treasures.
[The Buddha said,] "Inexhaustible Intent, these are the kinds of freely
exercised supernatural powers that Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds
displays in his comings and goings in the saha world."
At that time Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent posed this question in verse form:
World-Honored One replete with wonderful features,
I now ask you once again
for what reason that Buddha's son
is named Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds?
The honored One endowed with wonderful features
replied to Inexhaustible Intent in verse:
Listen to the actions of the Perceiver of Sounds,
how aptly he responds in various quarters.
His vast oath is deep as the ocean;
kalpas pass but it remains unfathomable.
He has attended many thousands and millions of Buddhas,
setting forth his great pure vow.
I will describe him in outline for you-
listen to his name, observe his body,
bear him in mind, not passing the time vainly,
for he can wipe out the pains of existence.
Suppose someone should conceive a wish to harm you,
should push you into a great pit of fire.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and the pit of fire will change into a pond!
If you should be cast adrift on the vast ocean,
menaced by dragons, fish and various demons,
think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and the billows and waves cannot drown you!
Suppose you are on the peak of Mount Sumeru
and someone pushes you off.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and you will hang in midair like the sun!
Suppose you are pursued by evil men
who wish to throw you down from a diamond mountain.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and they cannot harm a hair of you!
Suppose you are surrounded by evil-hearted bandits,
each brandishing a knife to wound you.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and at once all will be swayed by compassion!
Suppose you encounter trouble with the king's law,
face punishment, about to forfeit your life.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and the executioner's sword will be broken to bits!
Suppose you are imprisoned in cangue and lock,
hands and feet bound by fetters and chains.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and they will fall off, leaving you free!
Suppose with curses and various poisonous herbs
someone should try to injure you.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and the injury will rebound upon the originator.
Suppose you encounter evil raksasas,
poison dragons and various demons.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and then none of them will dare to harm you.
If evil beasts should encircle you,
their sharp fangs and claws inspiring terror,
think on the power of that Perceiver of sounds
and they will scamper away in boundless retreat.
If lizards, snakes, vipers, scorpions
threaten you with poison breath that sears like flame,
think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and, hearing your voice, they will flee of themselves.
If clouds should bring thunder, and lightning strike,
if hail pelts or drenching rain comes down,
think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and at that moment they will vanish away.
If living beings encounter weariness or peril,
immeasurable suffering pressing them down,
the power of the Perceiver of Sounds' wonderful wisdom
can save them from the sufferings of the world.
He is endowed with transcendental powers
and widely practices the expedient means of wisdom.
Throughout the lands in the ten directions
there is no region where he does not manifest himself.
In many different kinds of evil circumstances,
in the realms of hell, hungry spirits or beasts,
the sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death--
all these he bit by bit wipes out.
He of the true gaze, the pure gaze,
the gaze of great and encompassing wisdom,
the gaze of pity, the gaze of compassion--
constantly we implore him, constantly look up in reverence.
His pure light, free of blemish,
is a sun of wisdom dispelling all darkness's.
He can quell the wind and fire of misfortune
and everywhere bring light to the world.
The precepts from his compassionate body shake us
like thunder,
the wonder of his pitying mind is like a great cloud.
He sends down the sweet dew, the Dharma rain,
to quench the flames of earthly desires.
When law suits bring you before the officials,
when terrified in the midst of an army,
think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and hatred in all its forms will be dispelled.
Wonderful sound, Perceiver of the World's Sounds,
Brahma's sound, the sea tide sound--
they surpass those sounds of the world;
therefore you should constantly think on them
from thought to thought never entertaining doubt!
Perceiver of the World's Sounds, pure sage--
to those in suffering, in danger of death,
he can offer aid and support.
Endowed with all benefits,
he views living beings with compassionate eyes.
The sea of his accumulated blessings is immeasurable;
therefore you should bow your head to him!
At that time the Bodhisattva Earth Holder immediately rose from his seat,
advanced, and said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, if there are living beings
who hear this chapter on Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds, on the
freedom of his actions, his manifestation of a universal gateway, and his
transcendental powers, it should be known that the benefits these persons gain
are not few!"
When the Buddha preached this chapter on the Universal Gateway, a multitude of
eighty-four thousand persons in the assembly all conceived a determination to
attain the unparalleled state of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.
Translated by Burton Watson
Chapter Twenty-five: The Universal Gate of Bodhisattva Kanzeon
At that time the bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent immediately rose from his
seat, bared his right shoulder, pressed his palms together and, facing the
Buddha, spoke these words: "World Honored One, this Bodhisattva Perceiver of the
World's Sounds-- why is he called Perceiver of the World's Sounds?"
The Buddha said to Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent: "Good man, suppose there
are immeasurable hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, millions of living beings
who are undergoing various trials and suffering. If they hear of this
Bodhisattva Perceiver of the Word's Sounds and single-mindedly call his name,
then at once he will perceive the sound of their voices and they will all gain
deliverance from their trials.
If someone, holding fast to the name of bodhisattva perceiver of the world's
sounds, should enter a great fire, the fire could not burn him. This would come
about because of this bodhisattva's authority and supernatural power. If one
were washed away by a great flood and call upon his name, one would immediately
find himself in a shallow place.
"Suppose there were a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, a million living beings
who, seeking for gold, silver, lapis lazuli, seashell, agate, coral, amber,
pearls, and other treasures, set out on the great sea. and suppose a fierce wind
should blow their ship off course and it drifted to the land of raksasas demons.
If among those people there is even just one who calls the name of Bodhisattva
Perceiver of the World's sounds, then all those people will be delivered from
their troubles with the raksasas. This is why he is called Perceiver of the
World's Sounds.
"If a person who faces imminent threat of attack should call the name of
Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's sounds, then the swords and staves wielded
by his attackers would instantly shatter into so many pieces and he would be
delivered.
Thought enough yakshas and raksasas to fill all the thousand-million-fold world
should try to come and torment a person, if they hear him calling the name of
Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds, then these evil demons will not
even be able to look at him with their evil eyes, much less do him harm.
"Suppose, in a place filled with all the evil-hearted bandits of the thousand-
million-fold world, there is a merchant leader who is guiding a band of
merchants carrying valuable treasures over a steep and dangerous road, and that
one man shouts out these words: 'Good men, do not be afraid! You must single-
mindedly call on the name of Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds. This
bodhisattva can grant fearlessness to living beings. If you call his name, you
will be delivered from these evil-hearted bandits!' When the band if merchants
hear this, they all together raise their voices, saying, 'Hail to the
Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds!' And because they call his name,
they are at once able to gain deliverance. Inexhaustible Intent, the authority
and supernatural power of the Bodhisattva and mahasattva Perceiver of the
World's Sounds are as mighty as this!
"If there should be living beings beset by numerous lusts and cravings, let them
think with constant reverence of Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds and
then they can shed their desires. If they have great wrath and ire, let them
think with constant reverence of Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds and
then they can shed their ire. If they have great ignorance and stupidity, let
them think with constant reverence of Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's
Sounds and they can rid themselves of stupidity.
"Inexhaustible Intent, the Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds possesses
great authority and supernatural powers, as I have described, and can confer
many benefits. For this reason, living beings should constantly keep the thought
of him in mind.
"If a woman wishes to give birth to a male child, she should offer obeisance and
alms to Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds and then she will bear a son
blessed with merit, virtue, and wisdom. And if she wishes to bear a daughter,
she will bear one with al the marks of comeliness, one who in the past planted
the roots of virtue and is loved and respected by many persons.
"Inexhaustible Intent, the Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds has power
to do all this. If there are living beings who pay respect and obeisance to
Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds, their good fortune will not be
fleeting or vain. Therefore living beings should all accept and uphold the name
of Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds.
"Inexhaustible Intent, suppose there is a person who accepts and upholds the
names of as many bodhisattvas as there are sands in sixty-two million Ganges,
and for as long as his present body lasts, he offers them alms in the form of
food and drink, clothing, bedding and medicines. What is your opinion? Would
this good man or good woman gain many benefits or would he not?"
Inexhaustible Intent replied, "They would be very many, World-Honored One."
The Buddha said: "Suppose also that there is a person who accepts and upholds
the name of Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds and even just once
offers him obeisance and alms. The good fortune pained by these two persons
would be exactly equal and without difference. For a hundred, a thousand, ten
thousand, a million kalpas it would never be exhausted or run out. Inexhaustible
Intent, if one accepts and upholds the name of Bodhisattva Perceiver of the
World's Sounds, he will gain the benefit of merit and virtue that is as
immeasurable and boundless as this!"
Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One,
Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds-- how does he come and go in this
saha world? How does he preach the Law for the sake of living beings? How does
the power of expedient means apply in this case?"
The Buddha said to Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent: "Good man, if there are
living beings in the land who need someone in the body of a Buddha in order to
be saved, Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds immediately manifests
himself in a Buddha body and preaches the Law for them. If they need someone in
a pratyekabuddha's body in order to be saved, immediately he manifests a
pratyekabuddha's body and preaches the Law to them. If the need a voice-hearer
to be saved, immediately he becomes a voice-hearer and preaches the Law for
them. If they need King Brahma to be saved, immediately he becomes King Brahma
and preaches the Law for them. If they need the lord Shakra to be saved,
immediately he becomes the lord Shakra and preaches the Law for them. If they
need the heavenly being Freedom to be saved, immediately he becomes the heavenly
being Freedom and preaches the Law for them. If they need a great general of
heaven to be saved, immediately he becomes a great general of heaven and
preaches the Law for them. If they need Vaishravana to be saved, immediately he
becomes Vaishravana and preaches the Law for them. If they need a petty king to
be saved, immediately he becomes a petty king and preaches the law for them.
If they need a rich man to be saved, immediately he becomes a rich man and
preaches the Law for them. If they need a householder to be saved, immediately
he becomes a householder and preaches the Law for them. If they need a chief
minister to be saved, immediately he becomes a chief minister and preaches the
Law for them. If they need a Brahman to be saved, immediately he becomes a
Brahman and preaches the Law for them. If they need a monk, a nun, a layman
believer, or a laywoman believer and preaches the Law for them. If they need the
wife of a rich man, of a householder, a chief minister, or a Brahman to be
saved, immediately he becomes those wives and preaches the Law for them. If they
need a young boy or a young girl and preaches the Law for them. If they need a
heavenly being, a dragon, a yaksha, a gandharva, an asura, a garuda, a kimnara,
a mahoraga, a human or a nonhuman being to be saved, immediately he becomes all
of these and preaches the Law for them. If they need a vajra-bearing god and
preaches the Law for them.
"Inexhaustible Intent, this Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds has
succeeded in acquiring benefits such as these and. Taking on a variety of
different forms, goes about among the lands saving living beings. For this
reason you and the others should single-mindedly offer alms to Bodhisattva
Perceiver of the World's Sounds can bestow fearlessness on those who are in
fearful, pressing or difficult circumstances. That is why in this saha world
everyone calls him Bestower of Fearlessness."
"Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, now I
must offer alms to Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds."
Then he took from his neck a necklace adorned with numerous precious gems, worth
a hundred or a thousand taels of gold, and presented it to [the bodhisattva],
saying, "Sir, please accept this necklace of precious gems as a gift in the
Dharma."
At that time Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds was unwilling to accept
the gift.
Inexhaustible Intent spoke once more to Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's
Sounds, saying, "Sir, out of compassion for us, please accept this necklace."
Then the Buddha said to Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds, "Out of
compassion for this Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent and for the four kinds of
believers, the heavenly kings, dragons, yakshas, gandharvas, asuras, garudas,
kimnaras, mahoragas, human and nonhuman beings, you should accept this
necklace."
Thereupon Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds, having compassion for the
four kinds of believers and the heavenly beings, dragons, human and nonhuman
beings and the others, accepted the necklace and, dividing it into two parts,
presented one part to Shakyamuni Buddha and presented the other to the tower of
the Buddha Many Treasures.
[The Buddha said,] "Inexhaustible Intent, these are the kinds of freely
exercised supernatural powers that Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds
displays in his comings and goings in the saha world."
At that time Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Intent posed this question in verse form:
World-Honored One replete with wonderful features,
I now ask you once again
for what reason that Buddha's son
is named Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds?
The honored One endowed with wonderful features
replied to Inexhaustible Intent in verse:
Listen to the actions of the Perceiver of Sounds,
how aptly he responds in various quarters.
His vast oath is deep as the ocean;
kalpas pass but it remains unfathomable.
He has attended many thousands and millions of Buddhas,
setting forth his great pure vow.
I will describe him in outline for you-
listen to his name, observe his body,
bear him in mind, not passing the time vainly,
for he can wipe out the pains of existence.
Suppose someone should conceive a wish to harm you,
should push you into a great pit of fire.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and the pit of fire will change into a pond!
If you should be cast adrift on the vast ocean,
menaced by dragons, fish and various demons,
think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and the billows and waves cannot drown you!
Suppose you are on the peak of Mount Sumeru
and someone pushes you off.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and you will hang in midair like the sun!
Suppose you are pursued by evil men
who wish to throw you down from a diamond mountain.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and they cannot harm a hair of you!
Suppose you are surrounded by evil-hearted bandits,
each brandishing a knife to wound you.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and at once all will be swayed by compassion!
Suppose you encounter trouble with the king's law,
face punishment, about to forfeit your life.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and the executioner's sword will be broken to bits!
Suppose you are imprisoned in cangue and lock,
hands and feet bound by fetters and chains.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and they will fall off, leaving you free!
Suppose with curses and various poisonous herbs
someone should try to injure you.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and the injury will rebound upon the originator.
Suppose you encounter evil raksasas,
poison dragons and various demons.
Think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and then none of them will dare to harm you.
If evil beasts should encircle you,
their sharp fangs and claws inspiring terror,
think on the power of that Perceiver of sounds
and they will scamper away in boundless retreat.
If lizards, snakes, vipers, scorpions
threaten you with poison breath that sears like flame,
think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and, hearing your voice, they will flee of themselves.
If clouds should bring thunder, and lightning strike,
if hail pelts or drenching rain comes down,
think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and at that moment they will vanish away.
If living beings encounter weariness or peril,
immeasurable suffering pressing them down,
the power of the Perceiver of Sounds' wonderful wisdom
can save them from the sufferings of the world.
He is endowed with transcendental powers
and widely practices the expedient means of wisdom.
Throughout the lands in the ten directions
there is no region where he does not manifest himself.
In many different kinds of evil circumstances,
in the realms of hell, hungry spirits or beasts,
the sufferings of birth, old age, sickness and death--
all these he bit by bit wipes out.
He of the true gaze, the pure gaze,
the gaze of great and encompassing wisdom,
the gaze of pity, the gaze of compassion--
constantly we implore him, constantly look up in reverence.
His pure light, free of blemish,
is a sun of wisdom dispelling all darkness's.
He can quell the wind and fire of misfortune
and everywhere bring light to the world.
The precepts from his compassionate body shake us
like thunder,
the wonder of his pitying mind is like a great cloud.
He sends down the sweet dew, the Dharma rain,
to quench the flames of earthly desires.
When law suits bring you before the officials,
when terrified in the midst of an army,
think on the power of that Perceiver of Sounds
and hatred in all its forms will be dispelled.
Wonderful sound, Perceiver of the World's Sounds,
Brahma's sound, the sea tide sound--
they surpass those sounds of the world;
therefore you should constantly think on them
from thought to thought never entertaining doubt!
Perceiver of the World's Sounds, pure sage--
to those in suffering, in danger of death,
he can offer aid and support.
Endowed with all benefits,
he views living beings with compassionate eyes.
The sea of his accumulated blessings is immeasurable;
therefore you should bow your head to him!
At that time the Bodhisattva Earth Holder immediately rose from his seat,
advanced, and said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, if there are living beings
who hear this chapter on Bodhisattva Perceiver of the World's Sounds, on the
freedom of his actions, his manifestation of a universal gateway, and his
transcendental powers, it should be known that the benefits these persons gain
are not few!"
When the Buddha preached this chapter on the Universal Gateway, a multitude of
eighty-four thousand persons in the assembly all conceived a determination to
attain the unparalleled state of anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.
-
noisemonkey
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2012 11:35 pm
Re: Chapters 25 and 26 -- Where can I find them?
The Lotus Sutra
Translated by Burton Watson
Chapter Twenty-six: Dharani
At that time the Bodhisattva Medicine king rose from his seat, bared his right
shoulder, pressed his palms together and, facing the Buddha, spoke to him,
saying, "World-Honored One, if there are good men or good women who can accept
and uphold the Lotus Sutra, if they read and recite it, penetrate its meaning,
or copy the sutra scrolls, how much merit will they gain?"
The Buddha said to Medicine King, "If there are good men or good women who offer
alms to Buddhas equal in number to the sands of eight hundred ten thousand
million nayutas of Ganges, what is your opinion? The merit they gain will surely
be great, will it not?"
"Very great, World-Honored One."
The Buddha said, "If there are good men or good women who, with regard to this
sutra, can accept and uphold even one four-line verse, if they read and recite
it, understand the principle and practice it as the sutra directs, the benefits
will be very many."
At that time Bodhisattva Medicine King said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, I
will now give to those who preach the Law dharani spells, which will guard and
protect them." Then he pronounced these spells:
anye manye mane mamane chitte harite shame shamitavi
shante mukte muktatame same avashame sama same kshaye
akshaye akshine shante shame dharani alokabhashe-
pratyavekshani nivshte abhyantaranivishte atyantaparishuddhi
ukkule mukkule arade parade shukakashi asamasame
buddhavilokite dharmaparikshite samghanirghoshani
bhayabhayashodhani mantre mantrakshayate rute
rutakaushalye akshaye akshayavanataya abalo amanyanataya.
"World-Honored One, these dharanis, these supernatural spells, are pronounced by
Buddhas equal in number to the sands of sixty-two million Ganges. If anyone
should assault or injure these teachers of the Law, then he will have assaulted
and injured these Buddhas!"
At that time Shakyamuni Buddha praised Bodhisattva Medicine King, saying,
"Excellent, excellent, Medicine King! You keep these teachers of the Law in your
compassionate thoughts, shield and guard them, and for that reason you pronounce
these dharanis. They will bring great benefit to living beings."
At that time Bodhisattva Brave Donor said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, I
too will pronounce dharanis to shield and guard those who read, recite, accept,
and uphold the Lotus Sutra. If a teacher of the Law acquires these dharanis,
then although yakshas, rakshasas, putanas, krityas, kumbhandas or hungry spirits
should spy out his shortcomings and try to take advantage of them, they will be
unable to do so." Then in the presence of the Buddha he pronounced these spells:
jvale mahajvale ukke mukke ade adavati nritye nrityavati ittini
vittini chittini nrityani nrityakati
"World-Honored One, these dharanis, these supernatural spells, are pronounced by
Buddhas equal in number to the sands of the Ganges, and all of them respond with
joy. If anyone should assault or injure these teachers of the Law, then he will
have assaulted and injured these Buddhas!"
At that time the heavenly king Vaishravana, protector of the world, said to the
Buddha, "World-Honored One, I too think compassionately of living beings and
shield and guard these teachers of the Law, and therefore I pronounce these
dharanis." Then he pronounced these spells:
atte natte nunatte anada nade kunadi
"World-Honored One, with these supernatural spells I shield and guard the
teachers of the Law. And I will also shield and guard those who uphold this
sutra, making certain that they suffer no decline or harm within the area of a
hundred yojanas."
At that time heavenly king Upholder of the Nation, who was in the assembly along
with a host of thousands, ten thousands, millions of nayutas of gandharvas who
surrounded him and paid him reverence, advanced to the place where the Buddha
was, pressed his palms together and said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, I
too will employ dharanis, supernatural spells, to shield and guard those who
uphold the Lotus Sutra." Then he pronounced these spells:
agane gane gauri gandhari chandali matangi janguly vrusani
agashti
"World-Honored One, these dharanis, these supernatural spells, are pronounced by
forty-two million Buddhas. If anyone should assault or injure these teachers of
the Law, then he will have assaulted and injured these Buddhas!"
At that time there were daughters of rakshasa demons, the first named Lamba, the
second named Vilamba, the third named Crooked Teeth, the fourth named Flowery
Teeth, the fifth named Black Teeth, the sixth named Much Hair, the seventh named
Insatiable, the eighth named Necklace Bearer, the ninth named Kunti, and the
tenth named Stealer of the Vital Spirit of All Living Beings. These ten rakshasa
daughters, along with the Mother of Devil Children, her offspring, and her
attendants, all proceeded to the place where the Buddha was and spoke to the
Buddha in unison, saying, "World-Honored One, we too wish to shield and guard
those who read, recite, accept, and uphold the Lotus Sutra and spare them from
decline or harm. If anyone should spy out the shortcomings of these teachers of
the Law and try to take advantage of them, we will make it impossible for him to
do so." Then in the presence of the Buddha they pronounce these spells:
itime itime itime atime itime nime nime nime nime nime ruhe
ruhe ruhe ruhe stahe stahe stahe stuhe shuhe
"Though they climb upon our very heads, they will never trouble the teachers of
the Law! Whether it be a yaksha, or a pakshasa, or a hungry spirit, or a putana,
or a kritya, or a vetada, or a skanda 8, or an umaraka, or an apasmaraka, or a
yaksha kritya, or a human kritya, or a fever, a one day, a two day, a three day,
or a four day, or up to a seven day or a constant fever, whether it be in a
man's form, in a woman's form, in young boy's form, in young girl's form, though
it be only in a dream, it will never trouble them!"
Then in the presence of the Buddha they spoke in verse form, saying:
If there are those who fail to heed our spells
and trouble and disrupt the preachers of the Law,
their heads will split into seven pieces
like the branches of the arjaka tree.
Their crime will be like that of one who kills father and mother,
or one who presses out oil,
or cheats others with measures and scales,
or, like Devadatta, disrupts the Order of monks.
Anyone who commits a crime against these teachers of the Law
will bring on himself guilt such as this!"
After the rakshasa daughters had spoken these verses, they said to the Buddha,
"World-Honored One, we will use our own bodies to shield and guard those who
accept, uphold, read, recite, and practice this sutra. We will see that they
gain peace and tranquility, freeing them from decline and harm and nulling the
effect of all poison herbs."
The Buddha said to the rakshasa daughters, "Excellent, excellent! If you can
shield and guard those who accept and uphold the mere name of the Lotus Sutra,
your merit will be immeasurable. How much more so if you shield and guard those
who accept and uphold it in its entirety, who offer alms to the sutra scrolls,
flowers, incense, necklaces, powdered incense, paste incense, incense for
burning, banners, canopies, music, who burn various kinds of lamps, lamps of
butter oil, oil lamps, lamps of various fragrant oils, lamps of sumana flower
oil, and lamps of utpala flower oil, and who in this manner offer hundreds and
thousands of varieties of alms? Kunti, you and your attendants should shield and
guard the teachers of the Law such as these!"
When [the Buddha] preached this Dharani chapter, sixty-eight thousand persons
gained the truth of birthless-ness.
Translated by Burton Watson
Chapter Twenty-six: Dharani
At that time the Bodhisattva Medicine king rose from his seat, bared his right
shoulder, pressed his palms together and, facing the Buddha, spoke to him,
saying, "World-Honored One, if there are good men or good women who can accept
and uphold the Lotus Sutra, if they read and recite it, penetrate its meaning,
or copy the sutra scrolls, how much merit will they gain?"
The Buddha said to Medicine King, "If there are good men or good women who offer
alms to Buddhas equal in number to the sands of eight hundred ten thousand
million nayutas of Ganges, what is your opinion? The merit they gain will surely
be great, will it not?"
"Very great, World-Honored One."
The Buddha said, "If there are good men or good women who, with regard to this
sutra, can accept and uphold even one four-line verse, if they read and recite
it, understand the principle and practice it as the sutra directs, the benefits
will be very many."
At that time Bodhisattva Medicine King said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, I
will now give to those who preach the Law dharani spells, which will guard and
protect them." Then he pronounced these spells:
anye manye mane mamane chitte harite shame shamitavi
shante mukte muktatame same avashame sama same kshaye
akshaye akshine shante shame dharani alokabhashe-
pratyavekshani nivshte abhyantaranivishte atyantaparishuddhi
ukkule mukkule arade parade shukakashi asamasame
buddhavilokite dharmaparikshite samghanirghoshani
bhayabhayashodhani mantre mantrakshayate rute
rutakaushalye akshaye akshayavanataya abalo amanyanataya.
"World-Honored One, these dharanis, these supernatural spells, are pronounced by
Buddhas equal in number to the sands of sixty-two million Ganges. If anyone
should assault or injure these teachers of the Law, then he will have assaulted
and injured these Buddhas!"
At that time Shakyamuni Buddha praised Bodhisattva Medicine King, saying,
"Excellent, excellent, Medicine King! You keep these teachers of the Law in your
compassionate thoughts, shield and guard them, and for that reason you pronounce
these dharanis. They will bring great benefit to living beings."
At that time Bodhisattva Brave Donor said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, I
too will pronounce dharanis to shield and guard those who read, recite, accept,
and uphold the Lotus Sutra. If a teacher of the Law acquires these dharanis,
then although yakshas, rakshasas, putanas, krityas, kumbhandas or hungry spirits
should spy out his shortcomings and try to take advantage of them, they will be
unable to do so." Then in the presence of the Buddha he pronounced these spells:
jvale mahajvale ukke mukke ade adavati nritye nrityavati ittini
vittini chittini nrityani nrityakati
"World-Honored One, these dharanis, these supernatural spells, are pronounced by
Buddhas equal in number to the sands of the Ganges, and all of them respond with
joy. If anyone should assault or injure these teachers of the Law, then he will
have assaulted and injured these Buddhas!"
At that time the heavenly king Vaishravana, protector of the world, said to the
Buddha, "World-Honored One, I too think compassionately of living beings and
shield and guard these teachers of the Law, and therefore I pronounce these
dharanis." Then he pronounced these spells:
atte natte nunatte anada nade kunadi
"World-Honored One, with these supernatural spells I shield and guard the
teachers of the Law. And I will also shield and guard those who uphold this
sutra, making certain that they suffer no decline or harm within the area of a
hundred yojanas."
At that time heavenly king Upholder of the Nation, who was in the assembly along
with a host of thousands, ten thousands, millions of nayutas of gandharvas who
surrounded him and paid him reverence, advanced to the place where the Buddha
was, pressed his palms together and said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One, I
too will employ dharanis, supernatural spells, to shield and guard those who
uphold the Lotus Sutra." Then he pronounced these spells:
agane gane gauri gandhari chandali matangi janguly vrusani
agashti
"World-Honored One, these dharanis, these supernatural spells, are pronounced by
forty-two million Buddhas. If anyone should assault or injure these teachers of
the Law, then he will have assaulted and injured these Buddhas!"
At that time there were daughters of rakshasa demons, the first named Lamba, the
second named Vilamba, the third named Crooked Teeth, the fourth named Flowery
Teeth, the fifth named Black Teeth, the sixth named Much Hair, the seventh named
Insatiable, the eighth named Necklace Bearer, the ninth named Kunti, and the
tenth named Stealer of the Vital Spirit of All Living Beings. These ten rakshasa
daughters, along with the Mother of Devil Children, her offspring, and her
attendants, all proceeded to the place where the Buddha was and spoke to the
Buddha in unison, saying, "World-Honored One, we too wish to shield and guard
those who read, recite, accept, and uphold the Lotus Sutra and spare them from
decline or harm. If anyone should spy out the shortcomings of these teachers of
the Law and try to take advantage of them, we will make it impossible for him to
do so." Then in the presence of the Buddha they pronounce these spells:
itime itime itime atime itime nime nime nime nime nime ruhe
ruhe ruhe ruhe stahe stahe stahe stuhe shuhe
"Though they climb upon our very heads, they will never trouble the teachers of
the Law! Whether it be a yaksha, or a pakshasa, or a hungry spirit, or a putana,
or a kritya, or a vetada, or a skanda 8, or an umaraka, or an apasmaraka, or a
yaksha kritya, or a human kritya, or a fever, a one day, a two day, a three day,
or a four day, or up to a seven day or a constant fever, whether it be in a
man's form, in a woman's form, in young boy's form, in young girl's form, though
it be only in a dream, it will never trouble them!"
Then in the presence of the Buddha they spoke in verse form, saying:
If there are those who fail to heed our spells
and trouble and disrupt the preachers of the Law,
their heads will split into seven pieces
like the branches of the arjaka tree.
Their crime will be like that of one who kills father and mother,
or one who presses out oil,
or cheats others with measures and scales,
or, like Devadatta, disrupts the Order of monks.
Anyone who commits a crime against these teachers of the Law
will bring on himself guilt such as this!"
After the rakshasa daughters had spoken these verses, they said to the Buddha,
"World-Honored One, we will use our own bodies to shield and guard those who
accept, uphold, read, recite, and practice this sutra. We will see that they
gain peace and tranquility, freeing them from decline and harm and nulling the
effect of all poison herbs."
The Buddha said to the rakshasa daughters, "Excellent, excellent! If you can
shield and guard those who accept and uphold the mere name of the Lotus Sutra,
your merit will be immeasurable. How much more so if you shield and guard those
who accept and uphold it in its entirety, who offer alms to the sutra scrolls,
flowers, incense, necklaces, powdered incense, paste incense, incense for
burning, banners, canopies, music, who burn various kinds of lamps, lamps of
butter oil, oil lamps, lamps of various fragrant oils, lamps of sumana flower
oil, and lamps of utpala flower oil, and who in this manner offer hundreds and
thousands of varieties of alms? Kunti, you and your attendants should shield and
guard the teachers of the Law such as these!"
When [the Buddha] preached this Dharani chapter, sixty-eight thousand persons
gained the truth of birthless-ness.
-
noisemonkey
- Posts: 58
- Joined: Sat Apr 07, 2012 11:35 pm
Re: Chapters 25 and 26 -- Where can I find them?
also the Leon Hurvitz translation is interesting 
-
OregonBuddhist
- Posts: 130
- Joined: Wed Jul 18, 2012 8:28 pm
- Location: Oregon
- Contact:
Re: Chapters 25 and 26 -- Where can I find them?
Thank you very much. I just found this video of the priest at the Nichiren Shu temple that I have been attending, and she is reciting Chapter 25, Durani. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWGJjPQgK14" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Thank you for the translations. This priest allowed to me borrow some copies of the Shindoku of these two chapters. It has the Chinese and Japanese characters, as well as the romaji.
Thank you for the translations. This priest allowed to me borrow some copies of the Shindoku of these two chapters. It has the Chinese and Japanese characters, as well as the romaji.