Posted by drdoof on 29-05-2013, 2:58 PM :
Preface
如是我闻：一时，佛在舍卫国只树给孤独园，与大比丘僧千二百五十人俱，皆是大阿罗汉，众所知识。长老舍利弗、摩诃目干连、摩诃迦叶、摩诃迦栴延、摩诃拘絺罗、离婆多、周梨槃陀迦、难陀、阿难陀、罗喉喉、憍梵波提、宾头卢颇罗堕、迦留陀夷、摩诃劫宾那、薄俱罗、阿楼驮，如是等诸大弟子，并诸菩萨摩诃萨——文殊師利法王子、阿逸多菩萨、干陀诃提菩萨、常精进菩萨，与如是等诸大菩萨，及释提桓因等无量诸天大众俱。
Thus I heard, at one time Buddha dwelt in the Jetavana, Anathapimdasya Arama in the Kingdom of Sravasti together with a gathering of great Bhiksus, 1250 in all, all great Arhats whom the assembly knew and recognized. Elders Sari-putra, Mahamaudgalyayana, Mahakasyapa, Mahakatyayana, Mahakausthila, Revata, Suddhipanthaka, Nanda, Ananda, Rahula, Gavampati, Pindola-bharadvaja, Kalodayin, Mahakaphina, Vakkula, Aniruddha, and others such as these, all great disciples; together with all the Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas, including Dharma Prince Manjusri, Ajita Bodhisattva, Gandhastin Bodhisattva, Nityodyukta Bodhisattva, and others such as these, all great Bodhisattvas. Also present were Sakra, chief among gods, and the numberless great multitudes from all the heavens.
Shakyamuni's preaching at Shravasti to the assembly of monks, bodhisattvas, devas and lay-people
Shakyamuni addresses Shariputra
Amitabha and the Land of Ultimate Bliss
尔时，佛告长老舍利弗：「从是西方过十万亿佛土，有世界名曰极乐。其土有佛，号阿弥陀，今现在说法。
At that time the Buddha told the Elder Sariputra, “Passing from here through hundreds of thousands of millions of Buddha lands to the West, there is a world called Ultimate Bliss. In this land a Buddha called Amitabha right now teaches the Dharma.
The Land of Ultimate Bliss presided over by Amitabha Buddha
Amitabha Buddha
Amitabha Buddha, and Avalokiteshvara on his left and Mahasthamaprapta on his right, seated on lotus-thrones. They are surrounded by many bodhisattvas
Why the land is called Ultimate Bliss?
舍利弗！彼土何故名为极乐？其国众生无有众苦，但受诸乐，故名极乐。
Sariputra, why is this land called Ultimate Bliss? All living beings of this country do not endure sufferings but only enjoy bliss.
又舍利弗！极乐国土，七重栏楯、七重罗网、七重行树，皆是四宝周匝围绕，是故彼国名曰极乐。
Also, Sariputra, this Land of Ultimate Bliss is everywhere surrounded by seven tiers of railings, seven layers of netting, and seven rows of trees, all formed from the four treasures. For this reason it is named Ultimate Bliss.”
Seven tiers of railings, seven layers of netting, and seven rows of trees.
「又舍利弗！极乐国土有七宝池，八功德水充满其中，池底纯以金沙布地。四边阶道，金、银、琉璃、頗梨合成。上有楼阁，亦以金、银、琉璃、頗梨、车璩、赤珠、马瑙而严饰之。池中莲花，大如车轮，青色青光，黄色黄光，赤色赤光，白色白光，微妙香洁。舍利弗！极乐国土成就如是功德庄严。
“Moreover, Sariputra, the Land of Ultimate Bliss has pools of the seven jewels filled with the eight waters of merit and virtue. The bottom of each pool is pure, covered with golden sand. On the four sides are stairs of gold, silver, lapis lazuli, and crystal. Above are pavilions adorned with gold, silver, lapis lazuli, crystal, mother-of-pearl, red pearls, and carnelian. In the pools are lotuses as large as carriage wheels: green colored of green light; yellow colored of yellow light; red colored of red light; white colored of white light. They are subtle, wonderful, fragrant, and pure. Sariputra, the realization of the Land of Ultimate Bliss is meritoriously adorned like this.
Jewelled pond with lotus-flowers of various colours.
「又舍利弗！彼佛国土，常作天乐，黄金为地，昼夜六时天雨曼陀罗华。其国众生，常以清旦，各以衣裓盛众妙华，供养他方十万亿佛；即以食时，还到本国，饭食经行。舍利弗！极乐国土成就如是功德庄严。
Also, Sariputra, in that Buddha land there is always heavenly music and the ground is yellow gold. In the six periods of the day and night a heavenly rain of mandarava flowers falls, and throughout the clear morning each living being of this Land, with sacks full of the myriads of wonderful flowers, makes offerings to the hundreds of thousands of millions of Buddhas of the other directions. At mealtime they return to their own country, and having eaten, they stroll around. Sariputra, the realization of the Land of Ultimate Bliss is thus meritoriously adorned.
Music and heavenly flowers.
「复次舍利弗！彼国常有种种奇妙杂色之鸟——白鹄、孔雀、鹦鹉、舍利、迦陵频伽、共命之鸟。是诸众鸟，昼夜六时出和雅音，其音演畅五根、五力、七菩提分、八圣道分如是等法。其土众生闻是音已，皆悉念佛、念法、念僧。
Moreover Sariputra, in this land there are many fantastic multi-colored birds: white cranes, peacocks, parrots, egrets, kalavinkas, and jivajivaka birds. In the six periods of the day and night the flocks of birds sing forth harmonious and elegant sounds. Their clear and joyful sounds proclaim their five roots, the five powers, the seven Bodhi elements, the eight sagely ways, and dharmas such as these. When living beings of this land hear these sounds, they are altogether mindful of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha.
Rare and beautiful birds.
舍利弗！汝勿谓：『此鸟实是罪报所生。』所以者何？彼佛国土无三恶趣。舍利弗！其佛国土尚无三恶道之名，何况有实？是诸众鸟皆是阿弥陀佛欲令法音宣流变化所作。
Sariputra, do not say that these birds are born as retribution for their karmic offenses. For what reason? In this Buddha land there are no three evil ways of re-birth. Sariputra, in this Buddhaland not even the names of the three evil ways exist, how much the less their actuality! Desiring that the Dharma sound be widely proclaimed, Amitabha Buddha by transformation made this multitude of birds.
Rare and beautiful birds.
舍利弗！其佛国土尚无三恶道之名，何况有实？是诸众鸟皆是阿弥陀佛欲令法音宣流变化所作。舍利弗！彼佛国土，微风吹动，诸宝行树及宝罗网出微妙音，譬如百千种乐同时俱作，闻是音者皆自然生念佛、念法、念僧之心。舍利弗！其佛国土成就如是功德庄严。
Sariputra, in that Buddha land, when the breeze blows rows of jewelled trees and jewelled nets give forth subtle and wonderful sounds like a hundred thousand kinds of music played at the same time. All those who hear this sound naturally bring forth in their hearts mindfulness of the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha. Sariputra, the realization of the Land of Ultimate Bliss is thus meritoriously adorned.
Jeweled Tree.
Why is the Buddha is called Amitabha
「舍利弗！于汝意云何？彼佛何故号阿弥陀？舍利弗！彼佛光明无量，照十方国无所障碍，是故号为阿弥陀。又舍利弗！彼佛寿命及其人民，无量无边阿僧祇劫，故名阿弥陀。舍利弗！阿弥陀佛成佛已来，于今十劫。又舍利弗！彼佛有无量无边声闻弟子，皆阿罗汉，非是算数之所能知；诸菩萨，亦复如是。舍利弗！彼佛国土，成就如是功德庄严。
Sariputra, what do you think? Why is this Buddha called Amitabha? Sariputra, the brilliance of that Buddha's light is measureless, illumining the lands of the ten directions everywhere without obstruction. This is why he is called Amitabha. Also, Sariputra, the life of that Buddha and that of his people extends for measureless limitless asankhyeya kalpas. This is why he is called Amitabha. Sariputra, since Amitabha realized Buddhahood, ten kalpas have passed. Also Sariputra, that Buddha has measureless limitless ‘sound-hearer’ disciples, all of who are Arhats. Their number is incalculable and so is his assembly of Bodhisattvas. Sariputra, the realization of the Land of Ultimate Bliss is thus meritoriously adorned.
Immeasurable life of Amitabha and it’s inhabitants.
Why one should aspire to be born there
「又舍利弗！极乐国土众生生者，皆是阿鞞跋致。其中多有一生补处，其数什多，非是算数所能知之，但可以无量无边阿僧祇劫说。舍利弗！众生闻者，应当发愿，愿生彼国。所以者何？得与如是诸上善人俱会一处。
Also Sariputra, all the living beings born in the Land of Ultimate Bliss are avaivartika. Among them are many who in this very life will achieve Buddhahood. Their number is many, in fact, it is incalculable and only in measureless, limitless asankhyeya kalpas could the number be spoken. Sariputra, those living beings who hear should vow, ‘I wish to be born in that country.’ Why is that? Those who thus attain are all superior and good people, all coming together in one place.
「舍利弗！不可以少善根福德因缘，得生彼国。舍利弗！若有善男子、善女人，闻说阿弥陀佛，执持名号，若一日、若二日、若三日、若四日、若五日、若六日、若七日，一心不乱，其人临命终时，阿弥陀佛与诸圣众现在其前。是人终时，心不颠倒，即得往生阿弥陀佛极乐国土。舍利弗！我见是利，故说此言。若有众生闻是说者，应当发愿生彼国土。
Sariputra, one one cannot have few good roots, blessings, virtues, and causal connections to attain birth in that land (The Western Land of Ultimate Bliss). Sariputra, if there is a good man or good woman who hears spoken ‘Amitabha Buddha’ and holds the name, whether for one day, two days, three, four, five days, six days, as long as seven days, with one heart unconfused, then when this person approaches the end of life Amitabha Buddha and the entire assembly of holy beings will appear before him. If his mind is clear when the end comes when the end comes then he will attain rebirth in Amitabha Buddha's Land of Ultimate Bliss. Sariputra, I say this because because of this benefit. If living beings hear this spoken they should make the vow, ‘I will be born in that land.’
Those born in the Land meet holy sages.
Amitabha and the holy sages welcoming the devotee.
Praise of Amitabha’s virtue by Buddhas of the eastern quarter
「舍利弗！如我今者，赞叹阿弥陀佛不可思议功德；东方亦有阿閦鞞佛、须弥相佛、大须弥佛、须弥光佛、妙音佛，如是等恒河沙数诸佛，各于其国出广长舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，说诚实言：『汝等众生，当信是称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经。』
Sariputra, as I now praise the inconceivable benefit from the merit and virtue of Amitabha Buddha. Thus in the East are also Aksobhya Buddha, Merudhvaja Buddha, Mahameru Buddha, Meruprabhasa Buddha, Manjughosa Buddha, and other Buddhas as countless as the grains of sand in the Ganges River. In his own country each brings forth the appearance of a vast and long tongue, every-where overing the three thousand great thousand worlds, and speaks the sincere and true words, ‘All you living beings should believe, praise, and hold in reverence the inconceivable merit and virtue of this Sutra of the Mindful One of Whom All Buddhas Are Protective.’
Buddhas in the eastern quarter
Praise of Amitabha’s virtue by Buddhas of the southern quarter
「舍利弗！南方世界有日月灯佛、名闻光佛、大焰肩佛、须弥灯佛、无量精进佛，如是等恒河沙数诸佛，各于其国出广长舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，说诚实言：『汝等众生，当信是称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经。』
Sariputra, in the worlds to the South are Candrasuryapradipa Buddha, Yashprabha Buddha, Maharciskamdha Buddha, Merupradipa Buddha, Arantavirya Buddha and other Buddhas as countless as the grains of sand in the Ganges River. In his own country each brings forth the appearance of a vast and long tongue, every-where overing the three thousand great thousand worlds, and speaks the sincere and true words, ‘All you living beings should believe, praise, and hold in reverence the inconceivable merit and virtue of this Sutra of the Mindful One of Whom All Buddhas Are Protective.’
Buddhas in the southern quarter
Praise of Amitabha’s virtue by Buddhas of the western quarter
「舍利弗！西方世界有无量寿佛、无量相佛、无量幢佛、大光佛、大明佛、宝相佛、净光佛，如是等恒河沙数诸佛，各于其国出广长舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，说诚实言：『汝等众生，当信是称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经。』
Sariputra, in the worlds to the West are Amitayus Buddha, Amitaskmdha Buddha, Amitadhvaja Buddha, Mahaprabha Buddha, Maharasmiprabha Buddha, Maharatnaketu Buddha, Suddharasmi Buddha and other Buddhas as countless as the grains of sand in the Ganges River. In his own country each brings forth the appearance of a vast and long tongue, every-where overing the three thousand great thousand worlds, and speaks the sincere and true words, ‘All you living beings should believe, praise, and hold in reverence the inconceivable merit and virtue of this Sutra of the Mindful One of Whom All Buddhas Are Protective.’
Buddhas in the western quarter
Praise of Amitabha’s virtue by Buddhas of the northern quarter
「舍利弗！北方世界有焰肩佛、最胜音佛、难沮佛、日生佛、 网明佛，如是等恒河沙数诸佛，各于其国出广长舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，说诚实言：『汝等众生，当信是称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经。』
Sariputra, in the worlds to the North are Maharcislamdha Buddha, Dumdubhisvaranirghosa Buddha, Duspradharsa Buddha, Adityasambhava Buddha, Jaleniprabha Buddha and other Buddhas as countless as the grains of sand in the Ganges River. In his own country each brings forth the appearance of a vast and long tongue, every-where overing the three thousand great thousand worlds, and speaks the sincere and true words, ‘All you living beings should believe, praise, and hold in reverence the inconceivable merit and virtue of this Sutra of the Mindful One of Whom All Buddhas Are Protective.’
Buddhas in the northern quarter
Praise of Amitabha’s virtue by Buddhas of the nadir quarter
「舍利弗！下方世界有 师子佛、 名闻佛、名光佛、达摩佛、法幢佛、持法佛，如是等恒河沙数诸佛，各于其国出广长舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，说诚实言：『汝等众生，当信是称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经。』
Sariputra, in the worlds below are Simha Buddha, Yasas Buddha, Yasahprabha Buddha, Dharma Buddha, Dharmadhvaja Buddha, Dharmadhara Buddha, and other Buddhas as countless as the grains of sand in the Ganges River. In his own country each brings forth the appearance of a vast and long tongue, every-where overing the three thousand great thousand worlds, and speaks the sincere and true words, ‘All you living beings should believe, praise, and hold in reverence the inconceivable merit and virtue of this Sutra of the Mindful One of Whom All Buddhas Are Protective.’
Buddhas in the nadir
Praise of Amitabha’s virtue by buddhas of the zenith quarter
「舍利弗！上方世界有梵音佛、宿王佛、香上佛、香光佛、大焰肩佛、杂色宝华严身佛、娑罗树王佛、宝华德佛、见一切义佛、如须弥山佛，如是等恒河沙数诸佛，各于其国出广长舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，说诚实言：『汝等众生，当信是称赞不可思议功德一切诸佛所护念经。』
Sariputra, in the world above are Brahmaghosa Buddha, Naksatraraja Buddha, Gamdhottama Buddha, Gamdhaprabhasa Buddha, Maharciskamdha Buddha, Ratnakusumasampuspitagatra Buddha, Salendraraja Buddha, Ratnorpalasri Buddha, Sarvarthadarsa Buddha, Sumerukalpa Buddha, In his own country each brings forth the appearance of a vast and long tongue, every-where overing the three thousand great thousand worlds, and speaks the sincere and true words, ‘All you living beings should believe, praise, and hold in reverence the inconceivable merit and virtue of this Sutra of the Mindful One of Whom All Buddhas Are Protective.’
Buddhas in the zenith
Why this sutra is called 'Sutra of the Mindful One of Whom All Buddhas Are Protective'
「舍利弗！于汝意云何？何故名为“一切诸佛所护念经”？舍利弗！若有善男子、善女人，闻是经受持者，及闻诸佛名者；是诸善男子、善女人，皆为一切诸佛共所护念，皆得不退转于阿耨多罗三藐三菩提。是故舍利弗！汝等皆当信受我语及诸佛所说。
Sariputra, what do you think? Why is it called Sutra of the Mindful One of Whom All Buddhas Are Protective? Sariputra, if a good man or a good woman hears this Sutra, practices it, and hears the names of all these Buddhas then this good man or woman will be a mindful person of whom all Buddhas protect and will irreversibly attain to anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. Therefore, Sariputra, all of you should believe and accept my words and those which all Buddhas speak.
「舍利弗！若有人已发愿、今发愿、当发愿，欲生阿弥陀佛国者；是诸人等，皆得不退转于阿耨多罗三藐三菩提，于彼国土若已生、若今生、若当生。是故舍利弗！诸善男子、善女人若有信者，应当发愿生彼国土。
Sariputra, if there are people who have already made the vow, who now make the vow, or who are about to make the vow, ‘I desire to be born in Amitabha's Country’, these people whether born in the past, now being born, or to be born in the future, all will irreversibly attain to anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. Therefore, Sariputra, all good men and good women, if they are among those who have faith, should make the vow, ‘I will be born in that country.’
Meritorious acts encouraged to attain birth in the Pure Land
Praise of Shakyamuni's virtue by all the Buddhas
「舍利弗！如我今者，称赞诸佛不可思议功德；彼诸佛等，亦称说我不可思议功德，而作是言：『释迦牟尼佛能为什难希有之事，能于娑婆国土五浊恶世——劫浊、见浊、烦恼浊、众生浊、命浊中，得阿耨多罗三藐三菩提，为诸众生说是一切世间难信之法。』舍利弗！当知我于五浊恶世，行此难事；得阿耨多罗三藐三菩提，为一切世间说此难信之法，是为什难！」
Sariputra, just as I am now one who praises the merit and virtue of all Buddhas all those Buddhas equally praise my inconceivable merit and virtue saying these words, ‘Sakyamuni Buddha can complete extremely rare and difficult deeds. In the Saha Land, in the evil time of the five turbidities, in the midst of the kalpa turbidity, the view turbidity, the affliction turbidity, the living beings turbidity, and the life turbidity he can attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi and for the sake of living beings, speak this Dharma which in the whole world is hard to believe.’ Sariputra, you should know that I, in the evil time of the five turbidities, practice these difficult deeds, attain anuttara-samak-sambodhi and for all the world speak this dharma, difficult to believe, extremely difficult!"
Epilogue
佛说此经已。舍利弗及诸比丘，一切世间天、人、阿修罗等，闻佛所说，欢喜信受，作礼而去。
After the Buddha spoke this Sutra, Sariputra and all the Bhiksus, all the gods, men, and asuras, and others from all the worlds, hearing what the Buddha had said, joyously welcomed, faithfully accepted, bowed and left.
End of the sutra; Shakyamuni attended by Manjushri,
Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas and others
The End of The Sutra of the Buddha's Teaching on Amitabha
