Selections from The Larger Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra, Part 2 of 2

Let us continue with selections from “The Larger Sukhāvatīvyūha Sutra,” where we learn of the Pure Land of Amitābha Buddha exclusively dedicated to the attainment of enlightenment and liberation.

“‘O Blessed One, if the beings who are born in that Buddha country of mine, after I have obtained Bodhi, should not hear, as quick as thought, such a teaching of the [Dharma] Law as they wish to hear, then may I not obtain the highest perfect knowledge.’

‘O Blessed One, if, after I have obtained Bodhi, the Bodhisattvas in this and other Buddha countries, as soon as they have heard my name, should ever turn back from the highest perfect knowledge, then may I not obtain the highest perfect knowledge.’

‘O Blessed One, if, after I have obtained Bodhi, and have become a Buddha-teacher, the Bodhisattvas who hear my name in Buddha countries, and obtain the first, the second, and the third degrees of endurance, as soon as they have heard my name, should turn away again from Buddha, the [Dharma] Law, and the [Sangha], then may I not obtain the highest perfect knowledge.’”

“And again, O Ananda, when he had spoken such prayers, that Bhikshu Dharmâkara, at that time, through the grace of Buddha spoke these verses:

‘If, when I have obtained Bodhi, there should not be for me an excellent Pranidhâna [vow] of such a character, then, O Prince, O Best of beings, may I not be endowed with the ten powers, incomparable, worthy of offerings.’

‘If there should not be for me such a country, endowed with many and various mighty and divine endowments, I should gladly go to hell, suffering pain, and not be a King of treasures.’

‘If, when I have approached the Bodhi throne, my name should not quickly reach the ten quarters, the broad and many endless Buddha countries, may I not be a lord of the world, endowed with power.’

‘If indeed I should delight in the enjoyments of love, being deprived of zeal, understanding and prudence, even after having reached the incomparable and blessed Bodhi, may I not be a teacher in the world, endowed with power.’

‘The Lord of vast light, incomparable and infinite, has illuminated all Buddha countries in all the quarters, he has quieted passions, all sins and errors, he has quieted the fire in the walk of hell.’”