Earth Store Bodhisattva (地藏菩薩本願經)

Earth Store Bodhisattva 地藏菩薩本願經 　　CHAPTER I

Spiritual Penetrations in the Palace of the Trayastrimsha Heaven

Thus I have heard:

At one time, the Buddha was in the Trayastrimsha Heaven speaking Dharma for his mother. 忉利天宮品第一

　　如是我聞。

　　一時佛在忉利天，為母說法。 At that time, uncountably many Buddhas and Great Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas from infinite worlds in the Ten Directions assembled to praise how Shakyamuni Buddha is able to manifest powerfully great wisdom and spiritual penetrations in the evil world of the Five Turbidities. They lauded how he regulates and subdues obstinate beings so they learn what causes suffering and what brings bliss. Each sent his attendants to pay their respects to the World Honored One.

　　爾時十方無量世界，不可說不可說一切諸佛及大菩薩，皆來集會。讚歎釋迦牟尼佛，能于五濁惡世，現不可思議大智慧神通之力，調伏剛強眾生，知苦樂法，各遣侍者，問訊世尊。

At that time the Thus Come One smiled and emitted billions of great light clouds. There was

a light cloud of great fullness, a light cloud of great compassion, a light cloud of great wisdom, a light cloud of great prajna, a light cloud of great samadhi, a light cloud of great auspiciousness, a light cloud of great blessings, a light cloud of great merit, a light cloud of great refuge, and a light cloud of great praise.

　　　是時，如來含笑，放百千萬億大光明云，所謂大圓滿光明云、大慈悲光明云、大智慧光明云、大般若光明云、大三昧光明云、大吉祥光明云、大福德光明云、大功德光明云、大皈依光明云、大讚歎光明云。 After emitting indescribably many light clouds, he also uttered many wonderful, subtle sounds

There was the sound of dana paramita, the sound of shila paramita, the sound of kshanti paramita, the sound of virya paramita, the sound of dhyana paramita, and the sound of prajna paramita.

There was the sound of compassion, the sound of joyous giving, the sound of liberation, the sound of no-outflows, the sound of wisdom, the sound of great wisdom, the sound of the Lion’s roar, the sound of the Great Lion’s roar, the sound of thunderclouds, and the sound of great thunderclouds.

　　放如是等不可思議光明云已，又出種種微妙之音，所謂檀波羅蜜音、尸波羅蜜音、羼提波羅密音、毗離耶波羅蜜音、禪波羅蜜音、般若波羅密音、慈悲音、喜舍音、解脫音、無漏音、智慧音、大智慧音、師子吼音、大師子吼音、云雷音、大云雷音。

After he uttered indescribably many sounds, countless millions of gods, dragons, ghosts, and spirits from the Saha and other worlds also gathered in the Palace of the Trayastrimsha Heaven.

They came from the Heaven of the Four Kings, the Trayastrimsha Heaven, the Suyama Heaven, the Tushita Heaven, the Blissful Transformations Heaven, and the Heaven of Comfort Gained Through Others’ Transformations.

They came from the Heaven of the Multitudes of Brahma, the Heaven of the Ministers of Brahma, the Heaven of the Great Brahma Lord, the Heaven of Lesser Light, the Heaven of Limitless Light, the Heaven of Light Sound, the Heaven of Lesser Purity, the Heaven of Limitless Purity, and the Heaven of Universal Purity.

They came from the Birth of Blessings Heaven, the Love of Blessings Heaven, the Abundant Fruit Heaven, the No Thought Heaven, the No Affliction Heaven, the No Heat Heaven, the Good Views Heaven, the Good Manifestation Heaven, the Ultimate Form Heaven, the Maheshvara Heaven, and so forth, to the Heaven of the Station of Neither Thought Nor Non-Thought.

All those groups of gods, dragons, ghosts and spirits came and gathered together.

　　出如是等不可說不可說音已，娑婆世界，及他方國土，有無量億天龍鬼神，亦集到忉利天宮，所謂四天王、忉利天、須焰摩天、兜率陀天、化樂天、他化自在天、梵眾天、梵輔天、大梵天、少光天、無量光天、光音天、少淨天、無量淨天、遍淨天、福生天、福愛天、廣果天、無想天、無煩天、無熱天、善見天、善現天、色究竟天、摩醯首羅天、乃至非想非非想處天，一切天眾、龍眾、鬼神等眾，悉來集會。

Moreover, sea spirits, river spirits, stream spirits, tree spirits, mountain spirits, earth spirits, brook and marsh spirits, sprout and seedling spirits, day, night, and space spirits, heaven spirits, food and drink spirits, grass and wood spirits, and other such spirits from the Saha and other worlds came and gathered together.

In addition, all the great Ghost Kings from the Saha and other worlds came and gathered together. They were:

the Ghost King Evil ’Eyes, the Ghost King Blood-drinker, the Ghost King Essence and Energy-eater, the Ghost King Fetus and Egg-eater, the Ghost King Spreader of Sickness, the Ghost King Collector of Poisons, the Ghost King Kind-hearted, the Ghost King Blessings and Benefits, the Ghost King Great Regard and Respect, and others.

　　復有他方國土，及娑婆世界，海神、江神、河神、樹神、山神、地神、川澤神、苗稼神、晝神、夜神、空神、飲食神、草木神，如是等神，皆來集會。

　　復有他方國土及娑婆世界、諸大鬼王、所謂惡目鬼王、啖血鬼王、啖精氣鬼王、啖胎卵鬼王、行病鬼王、攝毒鬼王、慈心鬼王、福利鬼王、大愛敬鬼王，如是等鬼王、皆來集會。

At that time, Shakyamuni Buddha said to the Dharma Prince, Bodhisattva, Mahasattva, Manjushri, “As you regard these Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, gods, dragons, ghosts and spirits from this land and other lands who are now gathered in the Trayastrimsha Heaven, do you know their number?”

Manjushri said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, even if I were to measure and reckon with my spiritual powers for a thousand eons I would not be able to know their number.”

The Buddha told Manjushri, “Regarding them with my Buddha Eye, I also cannot count them all. Those beings have been taken across, are being taken across, will be taken across, have been brought to accomplishment, are being brought to accomplishment, or will be brought to accomplishment by Earth Store Bodhisattva, throughout many eons.”

　　爾時釋迦牟尼佛、告文殊師利法王子菩薩摩訶薩：「汝觀是一切世界諸佛菩薩摩訶薩及天龍鬼神，此世界、他世界，此國土、他國土，如今集會到忉利天者，汝知數否？」

　　文殊師利白佛言：「世尊，若以我神力，千劫測度，不能得知。」

　　佛告文殊師利：「吾以佛眼觀故，猶不盡數。此皆是地藏菩薩久遠劫來，已度、當度、未度，已成就、當成就、未成就。」

Manjushri said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, throughout many eons I have cultivated good roots and my wisdom was certified as unobstructed. When I hear what the Buddha says, I immediately accept it with faith.

But Sound-hearers of small attainment, gods, dragons, and the rest of the Eightfold Division, and beings in the future who hear the Thus Come One’s true and sincere words will certainly harbor doubts. Even if they receive the teaching most respectfully, they will still be unable to avoid slandering it.

My only wish is that the World Honored One will proclaim for everyone what practices Earth Store Bodhisattva did. Tell us what vows he made while on the level of planting causes that now enable him to succeed in doing such inconceivable deeds.”

　　文殊師利白佛言：「世尊，我已過去久修善根、證無礙智、聞佛所言，即當信受。小果聲聞、天龍八部、及未來世諸眾生等，雖聞如來誠實之語，必懷疑惑。設使頂受，未免興謗。唯願世尊、廣說地藏菩薩摩訶薩，因地作何行、立何願，而能成就不思議事。」

The Buddha said to Manjushri, “By way of analogy suppose that each blade of grass, tree, forest, rice plant, hemp stalk, bamboo, reed, mountain, rock and mote of dust in a Three Thousand Great Thousand-World System were a Ganges River. Then suppose that each grain of sand in each of those Ganges Rivers were a world and that each mote of dust in each of those worlds were an eon. Then suppose each mote of dust accumulated in each of those eons were itself an eon.

The time elapsed since Earth Store Bodhisattva was certified to the position of the Tenth Ground is a thousand times longer than that in the above analogy. Even longer was the time he dwelled on the levels of Sound-hearer and Pratyekabuddha.

　　佛告文殊師利：「譬如三千大千世界所有草木叢林、稻麻竹葦、山石微塵，一物一數，作一恆河；一恆河沙，一沙一界；一界之內、一塵一劫，一劫之內，所積塵數，盡充為劫，地藏菩薩證十地果位以來，千倍多于上喻。何況地藏菩薩在聲聞、辟支佛地。

Manjushri, the awesome spiritual strength and vows of this Bodhisattva are inconceivable.

If good men or women in the future hear this Bodhisattva’s name, praise him, behold and bow to him, call his name, make offerings to him, or if they draw, carve, cast, sculpt or make lacquered images of him, such people will be reborn in the Heaven of the Thirty-Three one hundred times and will never fall into the Evil Paths.

　　文殊師利，此菩薩威神誓願，不可思議。若未來世，有善男子、善女人，聞是菩薩名字，或讚嘆、或瞻禮、或稱名、或供養，乃至彩畫刻鏤塑漆形像，是人當得百返生于三十三天，永不墮惡道。

“Manjushri, indescribably many eons ago, during the time of a Buddha named Lion Sprint Complete in the Ten Thousand Practices Thus Come One, Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva was the son of a great Elder.

　　文殊師利，是地藏菩薩摩訶薩，于過去久遠不可說、不可說劫前，身為長者子。時世有佛，號曰「師子奮迅具足萬行如來」。

That Elder’s son, upon observing the Buddha’s hallmarks and fine features and how the thousand blessings adorned him, asked that Buddha what practices and vows made him so magnificent.

　　時長者子，見佛相好，千福莊嚴，因問彼佛：「作何行願，而得此相？」

Lion Sprint Complete in the Ten Thousand Practices Thus Come One then said to the Elder’s son. If you wish to have a body like mine, you must first spend a long time liberating beings who are undergoing suffering.’

　　時師子奮迅具足萬行如來告長者子：「欲證此身，當須久遠度脫一切受苦眾生。

“Manjushri, that comment caused the Elder’s son to make a vow: ‘From now until the ends of future time throughout uncountable eons I will use expansive expedient means to help beings in the Six Paths who are suffering for their offenses. Only when they have all been liberated, will I myself become a Buddha.’

From the time he made that great vow in the presence of that Buddha until now, hundreds of thousands of nayutas of inexpressibly many eons have passed and still he is a Bodhisattva.

　　文殊師利，時長者子，因發願言：「我今盡未來際不可計劫，為是罪苦六道眾生，廣設方便，盡令解脫，而我自身，方成佛道。」以是于彼佛前，立斯大願，于今百千萬億那由他不可說劫，尚為菩薩。

“Another time, inconceivable Asamkhyeya eons ago there was a Buddha named Enlightenment-Flower Samadhi Self-Mastery King Thus Come One. That Buddha’s llfespan was four hundred billion Asamkhyeya eons.

During his Dharma-lmage Age, there lived a Brahman woman endowed with ample blessings from previous lives who was respected by everyone. Whether she was walking, standing, sitting, or lying down, gods surrounded and protected her.

Her mother, however, embraced a deviant faith and often slighted the Triple Jewel.

　　又于過去，不可思議阿僧衹劫，時世有佛，號曰「覺華定自在王如來」，彼佛壽命，四百千萬億阿僧衹劫。像法之中，有一婆羅門女，宿福深厚，眾所欽敬；行住坐臥，諸天護衛。其母信邪，常輕三寶。

　　Her worthy daughter made use of many expedients in trying to convince her mother to hold right views, but her mother never totally believed. Before long the mother’s life ended and her consciousness fell into the Relentless Hell.

　　是時聖女廣設方便，勸誘其母，令生正見，而此女母，未生全信。不久命終，魂神墮在無間地獄。

“When that happened, the Brahman woman, knowing that her mother had not believed in cause and effect while alive, feared that her karma would certainly pull her into the Evil Paths.

For that reason, she sold the family house and acquired many kinds of incense, flowers, and other gifts. With those she performed a great offering in that Buddha’s stupas and monasteries.

She saw an especially fine image of the Thus Come One Enlightenment Flower Samadhi Self-Mastery King in one of the monasteries.

時婆羅門女，知母在世，不信因果。計當隨業，必生惡趣。遂賣家宅，廣求香華，及諸供具，于先佛塔寺，大興供養。見覺華定自在王如來，其形像在一寺中，塑畫威容，端嚴畢備。

As the Brahman woman beheld the honored countenance she became doubly respectful while thinking to herself, ‘Buddhas are called Greatly Enlightened Ones who have gained All-Wisdom. If this Buddha were in the world I could ask him where my mother went after she died. He would certainly know.’

“The Brahman woman then wept for a long time as she gazed longingly upon the Thus Come One.

Suddenly a voice in the air said, ’0 weeping, worthy woman, do not be so sorrowful. I shall now show you where your mother has gone.”

　　 時婆羅門女，瞻禮尊容，倍生敬仰。私自念言：「佛名大覺，具一切智。若在世時，我母死後，儻來問佛，必知處所。」時婆羅門女，垂泣良久，瞻戀如來。忽聞空中聲曰：「泣者聖女，勿至悲哀，我今示汝母之去處。」

“The Brahman woman placed her palms together as she addressed space saying, ‘Which Virtuous Divinity is comforting me in my grief? From the day I lost my mother onward I have held her in memory day and night, but there is nowhere I can go to ask about the realm of her rebirth.’

“The voice in the air spoke to the woman again, I am the one you behold and worship, the former Enlightenment-Flower Samadhi Self-Mastery King Thus Come One. Because I have seen your regard for your mother is double that of ordinary beings, I have come to show you where she is.’

　　婆羅門女合掌向空，而白空曰：「是何神德，寬我憂慮。我自失母以來，晝夜憶戀，無處可問知母生界。」時空中有聲，再報女曰，我是汝所瞻禮者，過去覺華定自在王如來，見汝憶母，倍于常情眾生之分，故來告示。」

“The Brahman woman suddenly lunged toward the voice she was hearing and then fell, injuring herself severely. Those around her supported and attended upon her and after a long time she was revived.

Then she addressed the air saying, I hope the Buddha will be compassionate and quickly tell me into what realm my mother has been reborn. I am now near death myself.’

“Enlightenment-Flower Samadhi Self-Mastery King Thus Come One told the worthy woman, After you make your offerings, return home quickly. Sit upright and concentrate on my name. You will soon know where your mother has been reborn.’

　　 婆羅門女聞此聲已，舉身自撲，肢節皆損。左右扶侍，良久方甦。而白空曰：「願佛慈愍，速說我母生界，我今身心，將死不久。」時覺華定自在王如來，告聖女曰：「汝供養畢，但早返舍，端坐思惟吾之名號，即當知母所生去處。」

“The Brahman woman bowed to the Buddha and returned home. The memory of her mother sustained her as she sat upright recollecting Enlightenment-Flower Samadhi Self-Mastery King Thus Come One.

“After doing so for a day and night, she suddenly saw herself beside a sea whose waters seethed and bubbled. Many evil beasts with iron bodies flew swiftly back and forth above the sea.

She saw hundreds of thousands of men and women bobbing up and down in the sea, being fought over, seized, and eaten by the evil beasts.

She saw Yakshas with different shapes. Some had many hands, some many eyes, some many legs, some many heads. With their sharp fangs they drove the offenders on towards the evil beasts. Or the Yakshas themselves seized the offenders and twisted their heads and feet together into shapes so horrible that no one would dare even look at them for long.

　　　時婆羅門女尋禮佛已，即歸其舍。以憶母故，端坐念覺華定自在王如來。經一日一夜，忽見自身到一海邊。其水湧沸，多諸惡獸，盡復鐵身，飛走海上，東西馳逐。見諸男子女人，百千萬數，出沒海中，被諸惡獸爭取食啖。又見夜叉，其形各異，或多手多眼、多足多頭、囗牙外出，利刃如劍。驅諸罪人，使近惡獸，復自搏攫，頭足相就。其形萬類，不敢久視。

During that time the Brahman woman was naturally without fear due to the power of recollecting the Buddha.

“A ghost king named Poisonless bowed his head in greeting and said to the worthy woman, ‘Welcome, 0 Bodhisattva. What conditions bring you here?’

“The Brahman woman asked the ghost king, ‘What is this place?’

“Poisonless replied, ‘We are on the western side of the Great Iron Ring Mountain and this is the first of the seas that encircle it.’

“The worthy woman said, ‘I have heard that the hells are within the Iron Ring. Is that actually so?’

“Poisonless answered, ‘Yes, the hells are here.’

“The worthy woman asked, ‘How have I now come to the hells?’

“Poisonless answered, If it wasn’t awesome spiritual strength that brought you here, then it was the power of karma. Those are the only two ways anyone comes here. “

The worthy woman asked, ‘Why is this water seething and bubbling, and why are there so many offenders and evil beasts?’

　　 時婆羅門女，以念佛力故，自然無懼。有一鬼王，名曰無毒，稽首來迎，白聖女曰：「善哉，菩薩，何緣來此？」

　　時婆羅門女問鬼王曰：「此是何處？」

　　無毒答曰：「此是大鐵圍山西面第一重海。」

　　勝女問曰：「我聞鐵圍之內，地獄在中，是事實否？」

　　無毒答曰：「實有地獄。」

　　聖女問曰：「我今云何到達獄所？」

　　無毒答曰：「若非威神，即須業力，非此二事，終不能到。」

　　聖女又問：「此水何緣，而乃湧沸，多諸罪人，及以惡獸？」

Poisonless replied. These are beings of Jambudvipa who did evil deeds. They have just died and passed through forty-nine days without any surviving relatives doing any meritorious deeds on their behalf to rescue them from their distress. Besides that, during their lives they themselves didn’t plant any good causes. Now their own karma calls forth these hells. Their first task is to cross this sea.

Ten thousand yojanas east of this sea is another sea in which they will undergo twice as much suffering. East of that sea is yet another sea where the sufferings are doubled still again.

What the combined evil causes of the three karmic vehicles evoke is called the sea of karma. This is that place.’

“The worthy woman asked the Ghost King Poisonless, ‘Where are the hells?’

“Poisonless answered, ‘Within the three seas are hundreds of thousands of great hells, each one different. Eighteen of those are known as the great hells. Five hundred subsequent ones inflict limitless cruel sufferings. Following those are hundreds of thousands that inflict limitless further sufferings.’

　　無毒答曰：「此是閻浮提造惡眾生，新死之者，經四十九日後，無人繼嗣，為作功德，救拔苦難，生時又無善因。當據本業所感地獄，自然先渡此海。海東十萬由旬，又有一海，其苦倍此。彼海之東，又有一海，其苦復倍。三業惡因之所招感，共號業海，其處是也。」

聖女又問鬼王無毒曰:「地獄何在？」

　　無毒答曰：「三海之內，是大地獄，其數百千，各各差別。所謂大者，具有十八。次有五百，苦毒無量。次有千百，亦無量苦。」

“The worthy woman again questioned the great ghost king, ‘My mother died recently and I do not know where she has gone.’

“The ghost king asked the worthy woman, ’When the Bodhisattva’s mother was alive, what habits did she have?”

“The worthy woman replied, ‘My mother held deviant views and ridiculed and slandered the Triple Jewel. Even if she occasionally believed, she would soon become disrespectful again. She died recently and I still do not know where she was reborn.’

“Poisonless asked, ‘What was the Bodhisattva’s mother’s name and clan?’

“The worthy woman replied, ‘My parents were both Brahmans; my father’s name was Shila Sudarshana, my mother’s name was Yue Di Li.’

　　聖女又問大鬼王曰：「我母死來未久，不知魂神當至何趣？」

　　鬼王問聖女曰：「菩薩之母，在生習何行業？」

　　聖女答曰：「我母邪見，譏毀三寶。設或暫信，旋又不敬。死雖日淺，未知生處。」

　　無毒問曰：「菩薩之母，姓氏何等？」

　　聖女答曰：「我父我母，俱婆羅門種，父號尸羅善現，母號悅帝利。」

“Poisonless placed his palms together and implored the worthy woman, ’Please, Worthy One, quickly return home. There is no need for you to grieve further. The offender Yue Di Li was born in the heavens three days ago.

It is said that she received the benefit of offerings made and blessings cultivated by her filial child who practiced giving to Enlightenment-Flower Samadhi Self-Mastery King Thus Come One at stupas and monasteries.

Not only was the Bodhisattva’s mother released from the hells. All the other offenders who were destined for the Relentless Hell received bliss and were reborn together with her.’

Having finished speaking, the ghost king put his palms together and withdrew.

“The Brahman woman returned swiftly as if from a dream, understood what had happened, and then made a profound and far-reaching vow before the stupas and images of Enlightenment-Flower Samadhi Self-Mastery King Thus Come One, saying, ‘I vow that until the end of future eons I will respond to beings suffering for their offenses by using many expedient means to bring about their liberation.’”

The Buddha told Manjushri, “The Ghost King Poisonless is the present Bodhisattva Foremost Wealth. The Brahman woman is now Earth Store Bodhisattva.” Earth Store Bodhisattva

　　無毒合掌啟菩薩曰：「願聖者卻返本處，無至憂憶悲戀。悅帝利罪女，生天以來，經今三日。云承孝順之子，為母設供修福，布施覺華定自在王如來塔寺。非唯菩薩之母，得脫地獄，應是無間罪人，此日悉得受樂，俱同生訖。」

　　鬼王言畢，合掌而退。婆羅門女，尋如夢歸。悟此事已，便于覺華定自在王如來塔像之前，立弘誓願，願我盡未來劫，應有罪苦眾生，廣設方便，使令解脫。」

　　佛告文殊師利：「時鬼王無毒者，當今財首菩薩是。婆羅門女者，即地藏菩薩是。」

CHAPTER II The Division Bodies Gather

分身集會品第二

At that time the division bodies of Earth Store Bodhisattva began gathering in the Palace of the Trayastrimsha Heaven from billions of inexpressible, unutterable, immeasurable, ineffable, limitless Asamkhyeyas of worlds. They came from wherever hells were found.

Due to the spiritual powers of the Thus Come One, each came from his own direction and was joined by billions of nayutas of those who had obtained liberation from the force of bad karma. All came holding incense and flowers as offerings to the Buddha.

　　 爾時百千萬億不可思、不可議、不可量、不可說無量阿僧只世界，所有地獄處，分身地藏菩薩，俱來集在忉利天宮。以如來神力故，各以方面，與諸得解脫從業道出者，亦各有千萬億那由他數，共持香華，來供養佛。

Those groups that came were irreversible from Anuttara- samyaksambodhi because they had been taught and transformed by Earth Store Bodhisattva.

For long eons they had wandered in birth and death, undergoing suffering within the Six Paths without even temporary respite. Now they had reached levels of Sagehood due to the great compassion and deep vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva.

They felt joyful as they arrived at the Trayastrimsha Heaven and gazed at the Thus Come One, their eyes not leaving him for a moment.

　　 彼諸同來等輩，皆因地藏菩薩教化，永不退轉于阿耨多羅三藐三菩提。是諸眾等，久遠劫來，流浪生死，六道受苦，暫無休息。以地藏菩薩廣大慈悲，深誓願故，各獲果證。既至忉利，心懷踴躍，瞻仰如來，目不暫舍。

At that time, the World Honored One stretched forth his golden colored arm and rubbed the crowns of all the division bodies of Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva, gathered from billlons of Inexpressible, Inconceivable, immeasurable, ineffable, limitless Asamkhyeyas of worlds, and said,

“I teach and transform obstinate beings such as these within the evil worlds of the Five Turbidities, causing their minds to be regulated and subdued so they renounce the deviant and return to the proper.

But one or two of ten still cling to their bad habits. For them I again divide into billions of bodies and use numerous additional expedient means.

Those with keen roots will listen and immediately believe. Those with good rewards will respond to exhortation and strive to succeed. Those who are dark and dull will return only after being taught for a long time. Those whose karma is heavy fail to show any respect.

My division bodies take across and liberate all those different kinds of beings. I may appear in a male body. I may appear in a female body. I may appear in the body of a god or dragon. I may appear in the body of a spirit or ghost. I may appear as a mountain, as a forest, as a stream, as a spring, as a river, as a lake, as a fountain, or as a well in order to benefit people. I use all these ways to save beings.

　　 爾時，世尊舒金色臂，摩百千萬億不可思、不可議、不可量、不可說、無量阿僧只世界諸分身世界地藏菩薩摩訶薩頂，而作是言：『吾于五濁惡世，教化如是剛強眾生，令心調伏，舍邪歸正，十有一二，尚惡習在。吾亦分身百千萬億，廣設方便。或有利根，聞即信受；或有善果，勤勸成就；或有暗鈍，久化方歸；或有業重，不生敬仰。如是等輩眾生，各各差別，分別度脫。

I may appear in the body of God Shakra. I may appear in the body of Lord Brahma. I may appear in the body of a Wheel-Turning King. I may appear in the body of a lay person. I may appear in the body of a national leader. I may appear in the body of a prime minister. I may appear in the body of an official. I may appear in the body of a Bhikshu, a Bhikshuni, an Upasaka, an Upasika, and so forth to my appearing in the body of a Sound-hearer, an Arhat, a Pratyekabuddha, or a Bodhisattva in order to teach and rescue beings.

It is not that I only appear to them in the body of a Buddha.

　　 或現男子身、或現女人身、或現天龍身、或現神鬼身、或現山林川原、河池泉井，利及于人，悉皆度脫。或現天帝身、或現梵王身、或現轉輪王身、或現居士身、或現國王身、或現宰輔身、或現官屬身、或現比丘、比丘尼、優婆塞、優婆夷身、乃至聲聞、羅漢、辟支佛、菩薩等身、而以化度。非但佛身，獨現其前。

“Reflect on how I have toiled for repeated eons and endured acute suffering to take across and free stubborn beings who resist being taught and who continue to suffer for their offenses.

Those not yet subdued undergo retributions according to their karma. If they fall into the evil destinies and are enduring tremendous suffering, then you should remember the gravity of this entrustment I am now giving you here in the palace of the Trayastrimsha Heaven:

Find ways to liberate all beings in the Saha world from now until the time when Maitreya comes into the world. Help them escape suffering forever, encounter Buddhas, and receive predictions.”

　　 汝觀吾累劫勤苦，度脫如是等難化剛強罪苦眾生。其有未調伏者，隨業報應。若墮惡趣，受大苦時，汝當憶念吾在忉利天宮，殷勤付囑。令娑婆世界，至彌勒出世已來眾生，悉使解脫，永離諸苦，遇佛授記。』

At that time all the division bodies of Earth Store Bodhisattva that came from all those worlds merged into single form. Then he wept and said to the Buddha, “Throughout long eons I have been receiving the Buddha’s guidance and from that have developed inconceivable spiritual power and great wisdom.

My division bodies fill worlds as many as grains of sand in billions of Ganges Rivers. In each of those worlds, I transform myself into billions of bodies. Each body takes across billions of people, helping them to return respectfully to the Triple Jewel, escape birth and death forever, and reach the bliss of Nirvana.

Even if their good deeds within the Buddhadharma amount to as little as a strand of hair, a drop of water, a grain of sand, or a mote of dust, I will gradually take them across, liberate them, and help them gain great benefit.

I only hope that the World Honored One will not be concerned about beings of the future who have bad karma. “ In that way he addressed the Buddha three times: “I only hope that the World Honored One will not be concerned about beings of the future who have bad karma.” 　　 爾時，諸世界分身地藏菩薩，共復一形，涕淚哀戀，白其佛言：『我從久遠劫來，蒙佛接引，使獲不可思議神力，具大智慧。我所分身，遍滿百千萬億恒河沙世界，每一世界化百千萬億身，每一身度百千萬億人，令歸敬三寶，永離生死，至涅槃樂。但于佛法中所為善事，一毛一　，一沙一塵，或毫髮許，我漸度脫，使獲大利。唯願世尊，不以後世惡業眾生為慮。』 如是三白佛言：『唯願世尊，不以後世惡業眾生為慮。』

At that time the Buddha praised Earth Store Bodhisattva and said, “Excellent! Excellent! I will help you in this work you so willingly undertake. When the vast vows that you keep making throughout so many eons are fulfilled and all those beings have been saved, then I will certify your ultimate Bodhi.”

爾時，佛讚地藏菩薩言：『善哉！善哉！吾助汝喜。汝能成就久遠劫來，發弘誓願，廣度將畢，即證菩提。』

CHAPTER III Contemplating the Karmic Conditions of Beings

觀眾生業緣品第三

At that time the Buddha’s mother. Lady Maya, placed her palms together respectfully and asked Earth Store Bodhisattva, “Great Sage, could you tell us about the different kinds of karma that beings of Jambudvipa create and the resulting retributions that they undergo?”

爾時佛母摩耶夫人，恭敬合掌問地藏菩薩言：『聖者，閻浮眾生，造業差別，所受報應，其事云何？』

Earth Store replied, “There are millions of worlds and lands that may or may not have hells, may or may not have women, may or may not have Buddhadharma, and so forth to having or not having Sound-hearers and Pratyekabuddhas. Since the worlds differ, the retributions in the hells also differ.”

　　地藏答言：『千萬世界，乃及國土，或有地獄、或無地獄；或有女人、或無女人；或有佛法、或無佛法，乃至聲聞辟支佛，亦復如是，非但地獄罪報一等。』

Lady Maya spoke again to the Bodhisattva, “Could you please tell us about the offenses done by those in Jambudvipa that result in retributions in the evil destinies?”

Earth Store replied, “Worthy Mother, please listen as I speak briefly about that.”

The Buddha’s mother answered, “Great Sage, please tell us about it.”

　 摩耶夫人重白菩薩：『且願聞于閻浮罪報所感惡趣。』

地藏答言：『聖母，唯願聽受，我粗說之。』

佛母白言：『願聖者說。』

Then Earth Store Bodhisattva said to the Worthy Mother, “Retributions that result from offenses done in Jambudvipa are described like this.

“Beings who are not filial to their parents, even to the extent of harming or killing them, will fall into the Relentless Hell where for billions of eons they will seek escape in vain.

“Beings who shed the Buddha’s blood, slander the Triple Jewel, and do not venerate Sutras will fall into the Relentless Hell where for billions of eons they will seek escape in vain.

“Beings who usurp or damage the property of the Eternally Dwelling, who defile Bhikshus or Bhikshunis, who commit sexual-acts within the Sangharama, or who kill or harm beings there will fall into the Relentless Hell where for billions of eons they will seek escape in vain.

　　爾時地藏菩白聖母言：『南閻浮提，罪報名號如是。若有眾生不孝父母，或至殺害，當墮無間地獄。若有眾生出佛生血，毀謗三寶，不敬尊經，亦當墮于無間地獄，千萬億劫，求出無期。若有眾生侵損常住，玷污僧尼，或伽藍內恣行淫欲，或殺或害，如是等輩，當墮無間地獄，千萬億劫，求出無期。

“Beings who seem to be Shramanas but in their minds are not Shramanas, who destroy the things of the Eternally Dwelling, who deceive lay people, who go against the precepts, and who do many other evil deeds will fall into the Relentless Hell where for billions of eons they will seek escape in vain.

“Beings who steal the wealth and property of the Eternally Dwelling including its grains, its food and drink, its clothing, or take anything at all that was not given to them will fall into the Relentless Hell where for billions of eons they will seek escape in vain.”

　　若有眾生，偽作沙門，心非沙門，破用常住，欺誑白衣，違背戒律，種種造惡，如是等輩，當墮無間地獄，千萬億劫，求出無期。若有眾生，偷竊常住財物谷米，飲食衣服，乃至一物不與取者，當墮無間地獄，千萬億劫，求出無期。』

Earth Store continued, “Worthy Mother, beings who commit such offenses will fall into the Fivefold Relentless Hell where they will constantly seek for temporary relief from their suffering but will never receive even a moment’s respite.”

　 地藏菩白言：『聖母，若有眾生，作如是罪，當墮五無間地獄，求暫停苦一念不得。』

Lady Maya further asked Earth Store Bodhisattva, “Why is that hell called Relentless?”

　 摩耶夫人重白地藏菩薩言：『云何名為無間地獄？』

Earth Store replied, “Worthy Mother, the hells are all within the Great Iron Ring Mountain.

The eighteen great hells and the five hundred subsequent ones each have their own names. There are hundreds of thousands more that also have their own names.

The Relentless Hell is found within a city of hells that encompasses more than eighty thousand square miles. That city is made entirely of iron. Ten thousand miles above the city is an unbroken mass of fire.

Within the city are many interconnected hells, each with a different name.

“There is just one hell called Relentless. Its circumference is eighteen thousand miles.

The wall of that hell is a thousand miles high, totally made iron, and covered with a fire burning downward that is joined by a fire burning upward.

Iron snakes and dogs spewing fire race back and forth atop that wall.

　 地藏菩白言：『聖母，諸有地獄在大鐵圍山之內，其大地獄有一十八所，次有五百，名號各別，次有千百，名字亦別。無間獄者，其獄城周匝八萬余里，其城純鐵，高一萬里，城上火聚，少有空缺。其獄城中，諸獄相連，名號各別，獨有一獄，名曰無間，其獄周匝萬八千里，獄牆高一千里，悉是鐵圍，上火徹下，下火徹上。鐵蛇鐵狗，吐火馳逐獄牆之上，東西而走。

“In that hell is a bed that extends for ten thousand miles. One person undergoing punishment sees his or her own body filling the entire bed. When millions of people undergo punishment simultaneously, each still sees his or her own body filling the bed. That is how retributions are undergone by those with the same karma.

　 獄中有床，遍滿萬里。一人受罪，自見其身遍臥滿床。千萬人受罪，亦各自見身滿床上。眾業所感獲報如是。

“What is more, these offenders undergo extreme suffering. Thousands of Yakshas and other evil ghosts display fangs like swords and eyes like lightning as they pull and drag the offenders using their brass-clawed hands.

Other Yakshas wield huge iron halberds that they use to pierce the offenders’ mouths and noses or stab their bellies and backs. They toss the offenders into the air and then catch them by skewering them with the halberds or they let them drop onto the bed.

Iron eagles peck at the offenders’ eyes and iron serpents wrap around their necks. Long nails are driven into all their limbs. Their tongues are pulled out, stretched, and then plowed through. Their internal organs are gouged out, sliced, and minced. Molten copper is poured into their mouths, and their bodies are bound with hot iron.

Responses to their karma go on like that throughout thousands of deaths and rebirths. They pass through millions of eons seeking escape in vain.

　 又諸罪人，備受眾苦。百千夜叉及以惡鬼，囗牙如劍，眼如電光，手復銅爪，拖拽罪人。復有夜叉執大鐵戟，中罪人身，或中囗鼻，或中腹背。復有鐵蛇絞罪人頸。百肢節內，悉下長釘，拔舌耕犁，抽腸　斬，烊銅灌囗，熱鐵纏身。萬死千生，業感如是。動經千劫，求出無期。

“When this world is destroyed, they find themselves in another world. When that world is destroyed, they pass to another one. When that world, too, is destroyed, they move on to another. When this world comes into being again, they return here. The situation involving Relentless retribution for offenses is like that.

　 此界壞時，轉寄他方；他方壞時，輾轉相寄。此界成後，還復而來。無間罪報，其事如是。

“Moreover, five karmic responses account for the name Relentless. What are the five?

　　又五事業感，故稱無間。何等為五？

First, it is said to be Relentless since punishment is undergone day and night throughout many eons without ceasing for a moment.

Second, it is said to be Relentless since one person fills it in the same way that many people fill it.

Third, it is said to be Relentless since repeated punishments continue without cease throughout years that stretch into nayutas of eons. Those punishments are inflicted by instruments of torture such as forks and clubs; or by eagles, serpents, wolves, and dogs; or by pounding, grinding, sawing, drilling, chiseling, cutting and chopping; or by boiling liquids, iron nets, iron ropes, iron asses, and iron horses; or by raw hide bound around one’s head and hot iron poured over one’s body; or by meals of iron pellets and drinks of iron fluids.

　 一者、日夜受罪，以至劫數，無時間絕，故稱無間。

二者、一人亦滿，多人亦滿，故稱無間。

三者、罪器叉棒，鷹蛇狼犬，碓磨鋸鑿，　砟鑊湯，鐵網鐵繩，鐵驢鐵 馬，生革絡首，熱鐵澆身，飢吞鐵丸，渴飲鐵汁，從年竟劫，數 那由他，苦楚相連，更無間斷，故稱無間。

Fourth, it is said to be Relentless since everyone undergoes karmic responses based on the offenses they committed, whether they be men, women, savages, old, young, honorable, or lowly; whether they be dragons, spirits, gods or ghosts.

Fifth, it is said to be Relentless since offenders continually undergo ten thousand deaths and as many rebirths each day and night from the moment they first enter this hell and on through thousands of eons. During that time they seek even a moment’s relief but it never happens. Only when their karma is finished can they attain rebirth.”

　 四者、不問男子女人，羌胡夷狄，老幼貴賤，或龍或神，或天或鬼，罪行業感，悉同受之，故稱無間。

五者、若墮此獄，從初入時，至百千劫，一日一夜，萬死萬生，求一念間暫住不得，除非業盡，方得受生，以此連綿，故稱無間。』

Earth Store Bodhisattva said to the Worthy Mother, “That is a brief description of the Relentless Hell. If I were to speak extensively about the names of all the implements of punishment in the hells and all the sufferings there, I could not finish speaking in an entire eon.”

After hearing that, Lady Maya placed her palms together sorrowfully, made obeisance, and withdrew.

　 地藏菩薩白聖母言：『無間地獄，粗說如是。若廣說地獄罪器等名，及諸苦事，一劫之中，求說不盡。』

摩耶夫人聞已，愁憂合掌，頂禮而退。

CHAPTER IV Karmic Retributions of Beings of Jambudvipa

閻浮眾生業感品第四

At that time Earth Store Bodhisattva said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, because I receive the awesome spiritual strength of the Buddha, Thus Come One, I am able to divide my body and rescue beings who are undergoing karmic retributions everywhere in billions of worlds. If it were not for the great compassionate strength of the Thus Come One, I would be unable to perform such changes and transformations.

Now the World Honored One has entrusted me with rescuing and liberating beings in the Six Paths until Ajita becomes a Buddha. I accept the entrustment, World Honored One. Please have no further concern.

　　　爾時地藏菩薩摩訶薩白佛言：『世尊，我承佛如來威神利故，遍百千萬億世界，分是身形，救拔一切業報眾生。若非如來大慈力故，即不能作如是變化。我今又蒙佛付囑，至阿逸多成佛以來，六道眾生，遣令度脫。唯然世尊，願不有慮。』

Then the Buddha told Earth Store Bodhisattva, “Beings who have not yet obtained liberation have unfixed natures and consciousnesses.

Their bad habits reap karma; their good habits bring rewards. Reacting to situations by doing good or evil acts causes them to turn in the Five Paths without a moment’s rest. Throughout eons as numerous as motes of dust they remain confused, deluded, obstructed, and afflicted by difficulties.

　　爾時佛告地藏菩薩：『一切眾生未解脫者，性識無定，惡習結業，善習結果。為善為惡，逐境而生。轉輪五道，暫無休息，動經塵劫，迷禍障難。

They are like fish swimming through waters laced with nets. They may slip through and keep their freedom temporarily, but sooner or later they will be caught. I am concerned about such beings.

But since you keep making extensive vows repeatedly throughout successive eons to take such offenders across, what further worries need I have?

如魚游網。將是長流，脫入暫出，又復遭網。以是等輩，吾當憂念。汝既畢是往願，累劫重誓，廣度罪輩，吾復何慮。』

After that was said, a Bodhisattva, Mahasattva in the assembly named Samadhi Self-Mastery King said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, what vows has Earth Store Bodhisattva made during so many successive eons that he now receives the World Honored One’s special praise? We hope the World Honored One will tell us about that.”

　 說是語時，會中有一菩薩摩訶薩，名定自在王，白佛言：『世尊，地藏菩薩累劫以來，各發何願，今蒙世尊殷勤讚歎。唯願世尊，略而說之。』

Then the World Honored One said to Samadhi Self-Mastery King, “Listen attentively, listen attentively, and reflect well on the examples I am about to give you.

One time, limitless Asamkhyeyas of nayutas of inexpressible eons ago, a Buddha named All-Knowledge-Accomplished Thus Come One, One Worthy of Offerings, One of Proper and Pervasive Knowledge, One Perfect in Clarity and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Unsurpassed Knight Who Understands the World, Taming and Subduing Hero, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, World Honored One appeared in the world.

“That Buddha’s lifespan was sixty thousand eons.

Before he became a monk, he was the king of a small country and was friendly with the king of a neighboring country. Both of them practiced the Ten Wholesome Acts and benefited beings.

Because the citizens of those two neighboring countries did many bad things, the two kings made a plan using far-reaching expedients.

“One king vowed to quickly become a Buddha and then cross over absolutely all the others.

“The other king vowed, ‘I do not want to become a Buddha until I first take across all those who are suffering for their offenses, enable them to gain peace, and finally to reach Bodhi.’”

　 爾時世尊告定自在王菩薩：『諦聽諦聽，善思念之，吾當為汝分別解說。乃往過去無量阿僧衹那由他不可說劫，爾時有佛，號一切智成就如來，應供、正遍知、明行足、善逝、世間解、無上士、調御丈夫、天人師、佛、世尊，其佛壽命六萬劫。未出家時為小國王，與一鄰國王為友，同行十善，饒益眾生。其鄰國內所有人民，多造眾惡。二王計議，廣設方便。一王發願，早成佛道，當度是輩，令使無余。一王發願，若不先度罪苦，令是安樂，得至菩提，我終未願成佛。』

The Buddha told the Bodhisattva Samadhi Self-Mastery King, “The king who vowed to become a Buddha quickly is All-Knowledge-Accomplished Thus Come One.

The king who vowed to keep crossing over beings who are suffering for their offenses rather than to become a Buddha is Earth Store Bodhisattva.

佛告定自在王菩薩：『一王發願早成佛者，即一切智成就如來。一王發願永度罪苦眾生，未願成佛者，即地藏菩薩是。』

“Another time, limitless Asamkhyeya eons ago, a Buddha named Pure-Lotus-Eyes Thus Come One appeared in the world. His lifespan was forty eons.

In his Dharma-image age, an Arhat who had blessings from rescuing beings met a woman named Bright Eyes who offered a meal to him once while he was teaching and transforming beings.

　 『復于過去無量阿僧衹劫，有佛出世，名清淨蓮華目如來，其佛壽命四十劫。像法之中，有一羅漢，福度眾生。因次教化，遇一女人，字曰光目，設食供養。』

“‘What is your wish?’ asked the Arhat.

“Bright Eyes replied, ‘On the day of my mother’s death I performed meritorious deeds for her rescue, but I do not know where my mother is now.’

“Sympathizing with her, the Arhat entered into samadhi to contemplate and saw that Bright Eyes’ mother had fallen into a bad destiny where she was undergoing extreme suffering.

The Arhat asked, ‘Bright Eyes, what karma did your mother commit while alive that makes her now have to undergo such terrible suffering in a bad destiny?’

　『羅漢問之：「欲願何等？」』

『光目答曰：「我以母亡之日，資福救拔，未知我母生處何趣？」』

『羅漢愍之，為入定觀，見光目女母墮在惡趣，受極大苦。羅漢問光目言：「汝母在生做何行業？今在惡趣受極大苦。」』

“Bright Eyes replied, ’My mother enjoyed eating fish, turtles, and the like. She especially liked to fry or broil the eggs of fish and turtles. Every time she ate those she took thousands of lives. Oh, Venerable One, please be compassionate and tell me how she can be saved.”

“The Arhat took pity on Bright Eyes and used a skillful means. He urged Bright Eyes, saying, ‘With sincere resolve, be mindful of Pure-Lotus-Eyes Thus Come One and also make carved and painted images of him. By doing so both the living and the dead will be rewarded.’

『光目答言：「我母所習，唯好食啖魚鱉之屬。所食魚鱉，多食其子，或炒或煮，恣情食啖，計其命數，千萬復倍。尊者慈愍，如何哀救？」』

『羅漢愍之，為作方便，勸光目言：「汝可志誠念清淨蓮華目如來，兼塑畫行像，存亡或報。」』 “Bright Eyes heard that, quickly renounced everything she loved, and swiftly commissioned painted images of the Buddha. Then she made offerings before them. The reverence she felt moved her to tears and she wept in grief as she beheld and bowed to the Buddha.

Suddenly near the end of night in a dream she saw that Buddha’s body, dazzling gold in color and as large as Mount Sumeru, emitting great light. He said to Bright Eyes, ‘Your mother will be born in your household before long and as soon as that child can feel hunger and cold he will speak.’

『光目聞已，即舍所愛，尋畫佛像而供養之，復恭敬心，悲泣瞻禮。忽于夜後，夢見佛身金色晃耀，如須彌山，放大光明。而告光目：「汝母不久當生汝家，才覺飢寒，即當言說。」』

“Shortly thereafter a maidservant in the house bore a son who spoke before he was three days’ old. Lowering his head and weeping he said to Bright Eyes, ’The karmic conditions we create during our lives and deaths result in retributions that we ourselves must undergo.

I am your mother and have been in darkness for a long time. Since you and I parted, I have repeatedly fallen into the great hells. Upon receiving the power of your blessings, I have been reborn as a servant’s child with a short lifespan. Thirteen years from now, I will fall into the Evil Paths again. Do you have some way to free me so that I can avoid them?’

　 『其後家內婢生一子，未滿三日，而乃言說。稽首悲泣，告于光目：「生死業緣，果報自受，我是汝母，久處暗冥。自別汝來，累墮大地獄。蒙汝福力，方得受生。為下賤人，又復短命。壽年十三，更落惡道。汝有何計，另吾脫免？」』

“When Bright Eyes heard those words, she knew without a doubt that they were her mother’s. Choked with sobs, she said to the servant’s child, ‘Since you were my mother, you should know your own past offenses. What karma did you create that made you fall into the Evil Paths?’

　　『光目聞說，知母無疑，哽咽悲啼而白婢子：「既是吾母，合知本罪，作何行業，墮于惡道。」』

“The maidservant’s child answered, ‘I am undergoing retribution for two kinds of karma: killing and slandering. Had I not received the blessings you earned to rescue me from difficulty, I would not yet be released from that karma.’

『婢子答言：「以殺害毀罵二業受報。若非蒙福，救拔吾難，以是業故，未合解脫。」』

“Bright Eyes asked, ‘What happens in the hells when beings undergo retributions for their offenses?’

“The maidservant’s son answered, ‘I can’t bear to speak of the ways in which beings suffer for their offenses. Even if I lived for a hundred thousand years, I would find it hard to talk about.’

　 『光目問言：「地獄罪報，其事云何？」』

『婢子答言：「罪苦之事，不忍稱說，百千歲中，卒白難竟。」』

“When Bright Eyes heard that she wept bitterly and spoke into the air saying, ’I vow that my mother will be released from the hells forever. At the end of these thirteen years, she will be finished with her heavy offenses and will not go back to the Evil Paths.

0 Buddhas of the Ten Directions, with your compassion and sympathy, please listen to the vast and mighty vow that I am making for the sake of my mother.

If my mother will never again enter the Three Evil Paths, never again be born into low stations, and never again be female, then here before the image of Pure-Lotus-Eyes Thus Come One, I vow that from this day on, throughout billions of eons I will respond to all beings who are undergoing suffering for their offenses in the hells or the Three Evil Paths of any world.

‘I vow to rescue them from the bad destinies of the hells, hungry ghosts, animals, and the like. Only after beings with such retributions have all become Buddhas will I myself achieve Proper Enlightenment.’

　 『光目聞已，啼淚號泣而白空界：「願我之母，永脫地獄，畢十三歲，更無重罪，及歷惡道。十方諸佛慈哀愍我，聽我為母所發廣大誓願。若得我母永離三途及斯下賤，乃至女人之身永劫不受者。願我自今日後，對清淨蓮華目如來像前，卻後百千萬億劫中，應有世界，所有地獄及三惡道諸罪苦眾生，誓願救拔，令離地獄惡趣，畜生餓鬼等，如是罪報等人，盡成佛竟，我然後方成正等正覺。」』

“After making that vow, she clearly heard Pure-Lotus-Eyes Thus Come One say to her, ’Bright Eyes, your own great compassion and sympathy reaches your mother by this mighty vow that you are making.

My contemplation shows me that after thirteen years your mother will finish this retribution and will be born a Brahman with a lifespan of one hundred years. After that retribution she will be born in the Land of No Concern with a lifespan of uncountable eons. Later she will realize the fruition of Buddhahood and cross over people and gods numbering as many as sand grains in the Ganges.’”

　 『發誓願已，俱問清淨蓮華目如來而告之曰：「光目，汝大慈愍，善能為母發如是大願。吾觀汝母十三歲畢，舍此報已，生為梵志，壽年百歲。過是報後，當生無憂國土，壽命不可計劫。後成佛果，廣度人天，數如恒河沙。」』

Shakyamuni Buddha told Samadhi Self-Mastery King, “The Arhat whose blessings helped Bright Eyes then is now Inexhaustible Intention Bodhisattva. The mother of Bright Eyes is now Liberation Bodhisattva. Bright Eyes herself is now Earth Store Bodhisattva. He has been extending his compassion and sympathy like that from distant eons onward by making vows as many as Ganges’s sands, to rescue vast numbers of beings.

　 佛告定自在王：『爾時羅漢福度光目者，即無盡意菩薩是。光目女者，即地藏菩薩是。過去久遠劫中，如是慈愍，發恒河沙願，廣度眾生。

“Men and women in the future may fail to do good deeds and only do evil; may not believe in cause and effect; may indulge in sexual misconduct and false speech; may use divisive and harsh speech; and may slander the Great Vehicle. Beings with karma like that should certainly fall into bad destinies.

But if they encounter Good and Wise Advisors who exhort them and lead them quickly to take refuge with Earth Store Bodhisattva, those beings will just as quickly be released from their retributions in the Three Evil Paths.

　未來世中，若有男子女人，不行善者行惡者，乃至不信因果者，邪婬妄語者，兩舌惡囗者，毀謗大乘者，如是諸業眾生，必墮惡趣。若遇善知識，勸令一彈指間，皈依地藏菩薩，是諸眾生，即得解脫三惡道報。

If those beings are resolved and respectful, if they behold, bow to, and praise the Bodhisattva, and if they make offerings of flowers, incense, clothing, jewels, food and drink to him, they will enjoy supremely wonderful bliss in the heavens for billions of eons.

When their blessings in the heavens end and they are born as people, they will have the potential to be leaders of nations throughout billions of eons who are able to remember all aspects of causes and effects from previous lives.

　　 若能志心歸敬及瞻禮讚嘆，香華衣服，種種珍寶，或復飲食，如是奉事者。未來百千萬億劫中，常在諸天受勝妙樂。若福盡，下生人間，猶百千劫常為帝王，能憶宿命因果本末。』

“0,Samadhi Self-Mastery King, Earth Store Bodhisattva has such inconceivably great awesome spiritual power that he uses expansively for the benefit of beings. All of you Bodhisattvas should remember this Sutra and proclaim and widely spread it.”

　 『定自在王。如是地藏菩薩有如是不可思議大威神力，廣利眾生。汝等諸菩薩當記是經，廣宣流布。』

Samadhi Self-Mastery King said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, please do not be concerned. We billions of Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas, based on the Buddha’s awesome spiritual strength, will certainly proclaim this Sutra widely throughout Jambudvipa for the benefit of beings.”

Having spoken thus to the World Honored One, Samadhi Self-Mastery King Bodhisattva put his palms together respectfully, bowed, and withdrew.

　 定自在王白佛言：『世尊，願不有慮。我等百千萬億菩薩摩訶薩，必能承佛威神廣演是經，于閻浮提利益眾生。』定自在王白世尊已，合掌恭敬作禮而退。

At that time the Four Heavenly Kings arose from their seats, put their palms together respectfully, and said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, Earth Store Bodhisattva has been making such great vows from distant eons onward.

Why is it that up to now he has not yet finished taking beings across? Why does he continue to renew his vast and mighty vows? Please, World Honored One, explain that for us.”

　 爾時四方天王俱從座起，合掌恭敬白佛言：『世尊，地藏菩薩于久遠劫來，發如是大願，云何至今猶未度絕，更發廣大誓言。唯願世尊為我等說。』

The Buddha told the Four Heavenly Kings, “Excellent, excellent. Now to bring benefit to you and to extend that benefit to people and gods of the present and future, I will speak about how Earth Store Bodhisattva uses his compassion and sympathy within the paths of birth and death in Jambudvipa in the Saha world to rescue, take across, and liberate beings who are undergoing suffering for their offenses.

　 佛告四天王：『善哉善哉。吾今為汝及未來現在天人眾等，廣利益故，說地藏菩薩于娑婆世界閻浮提內生死道中，慈哀救拔度脫一切罪苦眾生方便之事。』

　The Four Heavenly Kings replied, “Please, World Honored One, we would like to hear about his work.”

　　 四天王言：『唯然世尊，願樂欲聞。』

The Buddha told the Four Heavenly Kings, “From distant eons onward to the present. Earth Store Bodhisattva has been taking across and liberating beings. Since his vows are still not finished, he continues with compassion and sympathy to help beings suffering for their offenses in this world.

Moreover, he sees the ceaseless tangle of their causes extending on through infinite, future eons. Because of that he renews his vows. Thus, in this Saha world on the continent of Jambudvipa, this Bodhisattva teaches and transforms beings by means of billions of expedient means.

　 佛告四天王：『地藏菩薩久遠劫來，迄至于今，度脫眾生，猶未畢願，慈愍此世罪苦眾生。復觀未來無量劫中，因蔓不斷，以是之故，又發重願。如是菩薩于娑婆世界，閻浮提中，百千萬億方便，而為教化。

“Four Heavenly Kings, To killers, Earth Store Bodhisattva says that short lifespans will be the retribution.

四天王，地藏菩薩 – 若遇殺生者， 說宿殃短命報。 To robbers he says that poverty and acute suffering, will be the retribution. 若遇竊盜者， 說貧窮苦楚報。 To those who indulge in improper sex he says that rebirth as pigeons or mandarin drakes or ducks will be the retribution. 若遇邪婬者， 說雀鴿鴛鴦報。 To those who use harsh speech he says that quarrelling families will be the retribution. 若遇惡囗者， 說眷屬斗諍報。 To those who slander he says that being tongueless and having cankerous mouths will be the retribution. 若遇毀謗者， 說無舌瘡囗報。 To the hateful he says that being ugly and crippled will be the retribution. 若遇瞠恚者， 說丑陋聾殘報。 To the stingy he says that not getting what they seek will be the retribution. 若遇慳吝者， 說所求違願報。 To gluttons he says that hunger, thirst and sicknesses of the throat will be the retribution. 若遇飲食無度者， 說飢渴咽病報。 To hunters he says that a frightening insanity that destroys one’s life will be the retribution. 若遇畋獵恣情者， 說驚狂喪命報。 To those who oppose their parents he says that being killed in natural disasters will be the retribution. 若遇悖逆父母者， 說天地災殺報。 To arsons who burn mountains and forests he says that trying to take one’s own life in the confusion of insanity will be the retribution. 若遇燒山林木者， 說狂迷取死報。 To cruel parents or step-parents, he says that being flogged in future lives will be the retribution. 若遇前後父母惡毒者， 說返生鞭撻現受報。 To those who net and trap animals, he says that being separated from one’s own relatives will be the retribution. 若遇網補生雛者， 說骨肉分離報。 To those who slander the Triple Jewel he says that being blind, deaf, or mute will be the retribution. 若遇毀謗三寶者， 說盲聾　啞報。 To those who slight the Dharma and regard the teachings with arrogance, he says that remaining in the bad paths forever will be the retribution. 若遇輕法慢教者， 說永處惡道報。 To those who destroy or misuse possessions of the Eternally Dwelling he says that revolving in the hells for billions of eons will be the retribution. 若遇破用常住者， 說億劫輪迴地獄報。 To those who defile the pure conduct of others and bear false witness against members of the Sangha he says that remaining in the animal realm forever will be the retribution. 若遇污梵誣僧者， 說永在畜牲道。 To those who scald, burn, behead, maim, or otherwise harm beings he says that undergoing repayment in kind will be the retribution. 若遇湯火斬斫傷者， 說輪迴遞償報。  To those who violate precepts and the regulations of pure eating he says that being born as birds or beasts that must suffer hunger and thirst will be the retribution. 若遇破戒犯齋者， 說禽獸飢惡報。 To those who make unprincipled and destructive use of things he says that being unable to ever obtain what they seek will be the retribution. 若遇非理毀用者， 說所求闕絕報。 To the arrogant and haughty he says that being servile and of low station will be the retribution. 若遇吾我貢高者， 說卑使下賤報。 To those who use back-biting to cause discord among others he says that being tongueless or having speech impediments will be the retribution. 若遇兩舌斗亂者， 說無舌百舌報。 To those with deviant views he says that being reborn in undeveloped regions will be the retribution. 若遇邪見者， 說邊地受生報。

“The bad habits involving body, mouth, and mind karma that beings of Jambudvipa perpetuate, result in hundreds of thousands of retributions like those. I have listed only a few examples here.

Since the karma created by beings of Jambudvipa calls forth different responses, Earth Store Bodhisattva uses hundreds of thousands of expedient means to teach and transform them.

Those beings must first undergo retributions such as those and then fall into the hells, where they pass through eons without being able to escape. You should therefore protect people and protect nations. Do not allow the accumulation of karma to confuse beings.”

　『如是等閻浮提眾生，身囗意業，惡息結果，百千報應，今粗略說。如是等閻浮提眾生業感差別，地藏菩薩百千方便而教化之。是諸眾生，先受如是等報，後墮地獄，動經劫數，無有出期。是故汝等護人護國，無令是諸眾業迷惑眾生。』

On hearing that, the Four Heavenly Kings wept in sorrow, placed their palms together, and withdrew.

　 四天王聞已，涕淚悲歎合掌而退。

CHAPTER V Names of Hells

地獄名號品第五

At that time Universal Worthy Bodhisattva, Mahasattva said to Earth Store Bodhisattva, “Humane One, for the sake of gods and dragons, those in the Fourfold Assembly, and all other beings of the present and future, please tell us the names of the hells where beings in the Saha world on the continent of Jambudvipa must suffer retributions for offenses they commit.

爾時普賢菩薩摩訶薩白地藏菩薩言：『仁者，願為天龍四眾，及未來現在一切眾生，說娑婆世界，及閻浮提罪苦眾生，所受報處，地獄名號，及惡報等事，使未來世末法眾生，知是果報。』

Please also describe what happens during retributions undergone for evil deeds so that beings in the future Dharma Ending Age will know what those retributions are.”

Earth Store Bodhisattva replied, “Humane One, based on the awesome spiritual power of the Buddha and relying on your strength, Great Bodhisattva, I will give a general list of the names of hells and describe some of what happens during retributions undergone for offenses and evil deeds.

　地藏答言：『仁者，我今承佛威神，及大士力，略說地獄名號，及罪報惡報之事。

仁者，閻浮提東方有山，號曰鐵圍，其山黑邃，無日月光。

“Humane One, in Eastern Jambudvipa is mountain range called Iron Ring. The mountain is pitch black because the light of sun and moon do not shine on it. A great hell is located there named Ultimately Relentless. Another hell is called Great Avichi.

There is also a hell called Four Horns, a hell called Flying Knives, a hell called Fiery Arrows, a hell called Squeezing Mountains,

a hell called Piercing Spears, a hell called Iron Carts, a hell called Iron Beds, a hell called Iron Oxen, a hell called Iron Clothing, a hell called Thousand Blades, a hell called Iron Asses, a hell called Molten Copper, a hell called Embracing Pillar, a hell called Flowing Fire, a hell called Plowing Tongues, a hell called Hacking Heads, a hell called Burning Feet, a hell called Pecking Eyes, a hell called Iron Pellets, a hell called Quarreling, a hell called Iron Ax, and a hell called Massive Hatred.”

仁者，閻浮提東方有山，號曰鐵圍，其山黑邃，無日月光。

有大地獄，號極無間， 又有地獄，名大阿鼻， 復有地獄，名曰四角， 復有地獄，名曰飛刀， 復有地獄，名曰火箭， 復有地獄，名曰夾山， 復有地獄，名曰通槍， 復有地獄，名曰鐵車， 復有地獄，名曰鐵床， 復有地獄，名曰鐵牛， 復有地獄，名曰鐵衣， 復有地獄，名曰千刃， 復有地獄，名曰鐵驢， 復有地獄，名曰烊銅， 復有地獄，名曰抱柱， 復有地獄，名曰流火， 復有地獄，名曰耕舌， 復有地獄，名曰　首， 復有地獄，名曰燒腳， 復有地獄，名曰啖眼， 復有地獄，名曰鐵丸， 復有地獄，名曰諍論， 復有地獄，名曰鐵　， 復有地獄，名曰多瞠。』

Earth Store Bodhisattva said, “Humane One, within the Iron Ring are endless hells like that.

There is also the hell of Crying Out, the hell of Pulling Tongues, the hell of Dung and Urine, the hell of Copper Locks, the hell of Fire Elephants, the hell of Fire Dogs, the hell of Fire Horses, the hell of Fire Oxen, the hell of Fire Mountains, the hell of Fire Rocks, the hell of Fire Beds, the hell of Fire Beams, the hell of Fire Eagles, the hell of Sawing Teeth, the hell of Flaying Skin, the hell of Drinking Blood, the hell of Burning Hands, the hell of Burning Feet, the hell of Hanging Hooks, the hell of Fire Rooms, the hell of Iron Cells, and the hell of Fire Wolves.

　 地藏白言：『仁者，鐵圍之內，有如是等地獄，其數無限。更有

叫喚地獄， 拔舌地獄， 糞尿地獄， 銅鎖地獄， 火象地獄， 火狗地獄， 火馬地獄， 火牛地獄， 火山地獄， 火石地獄， 火床地獄， 火梁地獄， 火鷹地獄， 鋸牙地獄， 剝皮地獄， 飲血地獄， 燒手地獄， 燒腳地獄， 倒刺地獄， 火屋地獄， 鐵屋地獄， 火狼地獄， 如是等地獄。

“Each of those hells contains lesser hells numbering from one, or two, or three, or four, to hundreds of thousands. Each of those lesser hells has its own name.” 其中各各復有諸小地獄，或一、或二、或三、或四、乃至百千，其中名號，各各不同。』 Earth Store Bodhisattva told Universal Worthy Bodhisattva, “Humane One, such are the karmic responses of beings in Jambudvipa who commit evil deeds.

The power of karma is extremely great. It rivals Mount Sumeru in its heights. It surpasses the great oceans in its depth. It obstructs the path leading to Sagehood. For that reason, beings should never think that minor bad deeds are unimportant or assume that they do not count as offenses. After death there will be retributions to undergo that cover all those details.

Fathers and sons have the closest relationship, but their roads diverge and each must go his own way. Even if they met, neither would consent to undergo suffering in the other’s place.

Now, based on the awesome spiritual power of the Buddha, I will describe some of the retributions for offenses that take place in the hells. Please, Humane One, listen for a moment to what I am going to say.”

　 地藏菩薩告普賢菩薩言：『仁者，此者皆是南閻浮提行惡眾生，業感如是。業力甚大，能敵須彌，能深巨海，能障聖道。是故眾生莫輕小惡，以為無罪，死後有報，纖毫受之。父子至親，歧路各別，縱然相逢，無肯代受。我今承佛威力，略說地獄罪報之事，唯願仁者暫聽是言。』 Universal Worthy replied, “I have long known of the retributions that happen in the Three Evil Paths. My hope in asking the Humane One to describe them is that when beings in the future Dharma Ending Age who are doing evil deeds hear the Humane One’s descriptions they will be moved to take refuge with the Buddha.”

　 普賢菩薩言：『吾已久知三惡道報，望仁者說，令後世末法一切惡行眾生，聞仁者說，使令歸佛。』

Earth Store said, “Humane One, this is what happens during retributions in the hells. Offenders may go to a hell in which their tongues are stretched out and plowed through by cattle; or to a hell in which their hearts pulled out and eaten by Yakshas; or to a hell in which their bodies are cooked In cauldrons of boiling liquid; or to a hell in which they are forced to embrace red-hot copper pillars; or to a hell in which they are burned by fire that constantly pursues them; or to a hell in which cold and Ice are all-pervasive; or to a hell in which excrement and urine are endless; or to a hell in which flying maces are unavoidable; or to a hell in which fiery spears stab them repeatedly; or to a hell in which they are constantly beaten on the chests and backs; or to a hell in which their hands and feet are burned; or to a hell in which they are bound by Iron snakes that coil around them; or to a hell in which they are pursued by racing Iron dogs; or to a hell in which their bodies are stretched by Iron mules.

　 地藏白言：『仁者，地獄罪報，其事如是。

或有地獄，取罪人心，夜叉食之。 或有地獄，鑊湯盛沸，煮罪人身。 或有地獄，赤燒銅柱，使罪人抱。 或有地獄，使諸火燒，趁及罪人。 或有地獄，一向寒冰。 或有地獄，無限糞尿。 或有地獄，純飛戢　。 或有地獄，多鑽火槍。 或有地獄，唯撞胸背。 或有地獄，但燒手足。 或有地獄，盤絞鐵蛇。 或有地獄，驅逐鐵狗。 或有地獄，儘駕鐵騾。

“Humane One, to inflict these retributions in each hell hundreds of thousands of instruments made of copper, iron, stone, or fire arise from karmic force. Those four materials come into being in response to the kinds of karma offenders created.

If I were to explain in detail what happens during retributions in the hells, then I would need to tell of the hundreds of thousands of sufferings that must be undergone in each specific hell. How much more would that be the case for the sufferings in all the many hells!

Now, having based myself upon the awesome spiritual power of the Buddha, I have given a general answer to the Humane One’s question, for if I were to speak in detail, it would take eons.”

　 仁者，如是等報，各各獄中，有百千種業道之器，無非是銅是鐵，是石是火，此四種物，眾業行感。若廣說地獄罪報等事，一一獄中更有百千種苦楚，何況多獄。我今承佛威神及仁者問，略說如是。若廣解說，窮劫不盡。』

CHAPTER VI The Thus Come One’s Praises

如來讚歎品第六

At that time the World Honored One emitted a great bright light from his entire body, totally illuminating Buddhalands as many as grains of sand in billions of Ganges Rivers.

His strong voice reached to all the Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas in those Buddhalands, as well as to the gods, dragons, ghosts and spirits, humans, non-humans and others, saying, “Listen today, as I praise Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva, who displays an inconceivable awesome spiritual strength and compassionate power throughout the Ten Directions as he rescues and protects beings when things happen to them as they suffer for offenses they have committed.

　　爾時世尊舉身放大光明，遍照百千萬億恒河沙等諸佛世界。出大音聲，普告諸佛世界一切諸菩薩摩訶薩，及天、龍、鬼、神、人、非人等：『聽吾今日稱揚讚歎地藏菩薩摩訶薩，于十方世界，現大不可思議威神慈悲之力，救護一切罪苦之事。

After I pass into Nirvana, all of you Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas and all of you gods, dragons, ghosts, spirits, and others should use vast numbers of expedient means to protect this Sutra and to cause all beings to realize the bliss of Nirvana.”

吾滅度後，汝等諸菩薩大士，及天龍鬼神等，廣作方便，衛護是經，令一切眾生證涅槃樂。』 After that was said a Bodhisattva named Universally Expansive arose in the assembly, placed his palms together respectfully, and said to the Buddha, “We are now about to witness the World Honored One praise Earth Store Bodhisattva’s inconceivably great awesome spiritual virtue.

　　說是語已，會中有一菩薩，名曰普廣，合掌恭敬而白佛言：『今見世尊讚歎地藏菩薩，有如是不可思議大威神德， We hope the World Honored One will also aid beings in the future Dharma Ending Age by telling us about how Earth Store Bodhisattva benefits people and gods and about the working out of cause and effect. That will help the gods, dragons, and the rest of the Eightfold Division, along with beings of the future to receive the Buddha’s teaching respectfully.”

唯願世尊為未來世末法眾生，宣說地藏菩薩利益人天因果等事，使諸天龍八部，及未來世眾生，頂受佛語。』

At that time the World Honored One said to the Bodhisattva Universally Expansive, to the Fourfold Assembly, and others, “Listen attentively, listen attentively. I will briefly describe to you how Earth Store Bodhisattva’s virtuous deeds keep benefiting people and gods.”

Universally Expansive replied, “Excellent, World Honored One. We are happy to listen.”

　　爾時世尊告普廣菩薩及四眾等：『諦聽諦聽，吾當為汝略說地藏利益人天福德之事。』

　　普廣白言：『唯然世尊，願樂欲聞。』

The Buddha told the Bodhisattva Universally Expansive, “If, in the future, good men or good women who, upon hearing Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva’s name, place their palms together, praise him, bow to him, or gaze in worship, they will overcome thirty eon’s worth of offenses. 　　　佛告普廣菩薩：『未來世中，若有善男子、善女人，聞是地藏菩薩摩訶薩名者，或合掌者、讚歎者、作禮者、戀慕者，是人超越三十劫罪。

Universally Expansive, if good men or good women gaze upon and bow but once to painted or drawn images of the Bodhisattva or images made using clay, stone, lacquer, gold, silver, copper and iron, they will be reborn one hundred times in the Heaven of the Thirty-Three and will eternally avoid falling into the Evil Paths.

If their blessings in the heavens come to an end and they are born in the human realm, they will become national leaders who suffer no loss of benefits.

　　　普廣，若有善男子、善女人，或彩畫行像，或土石膠漆，金銀銅鐵、作此菩薩，一瞻一禮者，是人百返生于三十三天，永不墮于惡道。假如天福盡故，下生人間，猶為國王，不失大利。

“There may be women who dislike having female bodies. Suppose they whole-heartedly make offerings to images of Earth Store Bodhisattva that are paintings or are made using clay, stone, lacquer, copper, iron, or other materials.

If they continually make such offerings day after day without fail, using flowers, incense, food, drink, clothing, colored silks, banners, money, jewels, and other items as offerings, when those good women finish their current female retributions, then throughout hundreds of thousands of eons they will never again be born in worlds where there are women, much less be one, unless it be through the strength of their compassionate vows to liberate beings.

Based on the strength of their offerings to Earth Store Bodhisattva and the power of their meritorious virtues, they will not be born into female bodies throughout hundreds of thousands of eons. 　　　復次普廣：『若有女人，厭是丑陋，多疾病者，但于地藏像前，志心瞻禮，食頃之間。是人千萬劫中所受生身，相貌圓滿。是丑陋女人，如不厭女身，即百千萬億生中，常為女王，乃及王妃，宰輔大姓，大長者女，端正受生，諸相圓滿。由志心故，瞻禮地藏菩薩，獲福如是。』

“Moreover, Universally Expansive, women who are ugly or prone to sickness will dislike those problems. If they gaze at and bow to images of Earth Store Bodhisattva with sincere resolve for even just a few minutes, then throughout millions of eons, they will always be born with full and perfect features.

If those woman who are ugly do not dislike having female bodies, then throughout billions of lives they will always be born as women of royal lineage, or will marry into royalty, or will become daughters of prime ministers, prominent families, or great Elders.

They will be of upright birth and full-featured. They will receive such blessings from having sincerely beheld and worshipped Earth Store Bodhisattva.

　　復次普廣：『若有女人，厭是丑陋，多疾病者，但于地藏像前，志心瞻禮，食頃之間。是人千萬劫中所受生身，相貌圓滿。是丑陋女人，如不厭女身，即百千萬億生中，常為女王，乃及王妃，宰輔大姓，大長者女，端正受生，諸相圓滿。由志心故，瞻禮地藏菩薩，獲福如是。』

“Moreover, Universally Expansive, there may be good men or good women who are able to play music, sing, or chant praises, and make offerings of incense and flowers before images of the Bodhisattva or who are able to exhort one or more others to do likewise.

Now and in the future, such people will be surrounded day and night by hundreds of thousands of ghosts and spirits who will even prevent bad news from reaching their ears, much less allow them to be personally involved in any accidents. 　　復次普廣：『若有善男子、善女人，能對菩薩像前，作諸伎樂，乃至勸于一人多人。如是等輩，現在世中及未來世，常得百千鬼神日夜衛護，不令惡事輒聞其耳，何況親受諸橫。』

“Moreover, Universally Expansive, in the future, evil people, evil spirits, or evil ghosts may see good men or good women taking refuge with, respectfully making offerings to, praising, beholding, and bowing to images of Earth Store Bodhisattva.

Those beings may make the mistake of ridiculing such acts of worship, saying that they are of no merit. They may sneer at those good people, condemn them behind their backs, or get a group or even one other person to have even as little as one thought of condemnation.

Such beings will fall into the Avichi Hell and the extreme misery they will undergo as retribution for their slander will not end even after the thousand Buddhas of the Worthy Eon have passed into tranquility.

Only after that eon will they be reborn among the hungry ghosts, where they will pass a thousand more eons before being reborn as animals. Only after another thousand eons will they obtain human bodies, but they will be poor and lowly with incomplete faculties, and their evil karma will cause them to suffer mental afflictions. Before long they will fall into the Evil Paths again.

Universally Expansive, such are the retributions that will undergo those who ridicule and slander others’ acts of worship. How much worse will the retributions be if besides their slandering, they have other evils views.

　　復次普廣：『未來世中，若有惡人及惡神惡鬼，見有善男子、善女人，歸敬供養讚嘆瞻禮地藏菩薩形像，或妄生譏毀，謗無功德及利益事，或露齒笑，或背面非，或勸人共非，或一人非，或多人非，乃至一念生譏毀者。如是之人，賢劫千佛滅度，譏毀之報，尚在阿鼻地獄受極重罪。過是劫已，方受餓鬼。又經千劫，復受畜牲。又經千劫，方得人身。縱受人身，貧窮下賤，諸根不具，多被惡業來結其心。不久之間，復墮惡道。是故普廣，譏毀他人供養，尚獲此報，何況別生惡見毀滅。』

“Moreover, Universally Expansive, in the future, men or women may be bedridden for years and in spite of their wishes be unable either to get well or to die. At night they may dream of evil ghosts, or of family and relatives, or of wandering on dangerous paths. In numerous nightmares they may roam with ghosts and spirits.

As days, months, and years go by, such people may weaken and waste away, cry out in pain in their sleep, and become progressively depressed and melancholy.

Those things happen when the force of karma has not yet been determined, which makes it difficult for them to die and impossible for them to be cured. The ordinary eyes of men and women cannot recognize such things.

　　　復次普廣：『若未來世，有男子女人，久處床枕，求生求死，了不可得。或夜夢惡鬼，乃至家親、或游險道、或多魘魅、共鬼神游。日月歲深，轉復　瘵，眠中叫苦，悽慘不樂者。此皆是業道論對，未定輕重，或難舍壽，或不得愈，男女俗眼，不辨是事。

“In that situation some people should recite this Sutra aloud once before images of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

They should also offer possessions which those sick people cherish, such as clothing, jewels, gardens, or houses. They should speak distinctly to the sick people saying, ‘Now before this Sutra or these images, we are offering these items on behalf of these sick people.’ They may offer sutras or images, or commission images of Buddhas or Bodhisattvas, or build stupas or monasteries, or light oil lamps, or give to the Eternally Dwelling.

They should tell the sick people three times about the offerings that are being made, informing them so they both hear and understand what is being done.

　　　但當對諸佛菩薩像前，高聲轉讀此經一遍。或取病人可愛之物，或衣服寶貝，莊園舍宅，對病人前，高聲唱言，我某甲等，為是病人對經像前舍諸等物，或供養經像，或造塔寺，或燃油燈，或施常住。如是三白病人，遣令聞知。

“If their consciousnesses are already scattered and their breathing has stopped, then for one, two, three, four, and on through seven days, others should continue to inform them clearly and to read this Sutra aloud.

When those people’s lives end, they will gain liberation from all heavy and disastrous offenses they committed in previous lives, even offenses warranting Fivefold Relentless Retribution. They will be born in places where they will always know past lives.

How much greater will the karmic reward be if good men or good women can write out this Sutra themselves or commission others to do so. If they can carve or paint images themselves or commission others to do so, the benefits they receive will be great indeed!

“Therefore, Universally Expansive, if you see people reading and reciting this Sutra or even having a single thought of praise for it, or if you meet someone who reveres it, you should employ hundreds of thousands of expedients to exhort such people to be diligent and not retreat.

In both the present and the future they will be able to obtain billions of inconceivable meritorious virtues. 　　假令諸識分散，至氣盡者，乃至一日、二日、三日、四日至七日已來。但高聲白，高聲讀經。是人命終之後。宿殃重罪，至于五無間罪，永得解脫，所受生處，常知宿命。何況善男子善女人自書此經或教人書、或自塑畫菩薩形像。所受果報，必獲大利，是故普廣，若見有人讀誦是經，乃至一念讚嘆是經，或恭敬者。汝須百千方便，勸是等人，勤心莫退，能得未來、現在千萬億不思議功德。』

“Moreover, Universally Expansive, beings in the future may, while dreaming or drowsy, see ghosts, spirits, and other forms that are either sad, weeping, or worried, fearful, or terrified.

Those are all fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, and relatives from one, ten, a hundred, or a thousand lives past who have not yet been able to leave the bad destinies.

They have no place from which to hope for the power of blessings to rescue them, and so they try to communicate with their closest descendants, hoping that those relatives will use some skillful means to help them get out of the Evil Paths.

　 復次普廣：『若未來世諸眾生等，或夢或寐，見諸鬼神乃及諸形，或悲、或啼、或愁、或歎、或恐、或怖。此皆是一生十生百生千生過去父母、男女弟妹、夫妻眷屬，在于惡趣，未得出離，無處希望福力救拔，當告宿世骨肉，使作方便，願離惡道。

“Universally Expansive, using your spiritual powers, exhort those descendants to recite this Sutra with sincere resolve before the images of Buddhas or Bodhisattvas or to request others to recite it, either three or seven times.

When the Sutra has been read aloud the proper number of times, relatives in the Evil Paths will obtain liberation and never again be seen by those who are dreaming or drowsy.

　　普廣，汝以神力，遣是眷屬，令對諸佛菩薩像前，志心自讀此經，或請人讀，其數三遍或七遍。如是惡道眷屬，經聲畢是遍數，當得解脫，乃至夢寐之中，永不復見。』

“Moreover, Universally Expansive, people of low station, and those who are slaves, or who are bonded, or who are deprived of their freedom in other ways may be aware of their past deeds and wish to repent of them and to reform.

If while beholding and bowing to Earth Store Bodhisattva’s image with sincere resolve for seven days they are able to recite his name a full ten thousand times, then when their current retribution ends, those people will always be born into wealth and honor for thousands lives. How much the more will they avoid any of the sufferings of the Three Evil Paths.

　　復次普廣：『若未來世，有諸下賤等人，或奴或婢，乃至諸不自由之人，覺知宿業，要懺悔者。志心瞻禮地藏菩薩形像，乃至一七日中，念菩薩名，可滿萬遍。如是等人，盡此報後，千萬生中，常生尊貴，更不經三惡道苦。』

“Moreover, Universally Expansive, in the future in Jambudvipa when the wives of Kshatriyas, Brahmans, Elders, Upasakas, and those of other names and clans are about to give birth to sons or daughters, the family members should recite this inconceivable Sutra and recite the Bodhisattva’s name a full ten thousand times during the seven days before the birth of their children.

If those infants, whether male or female, were destined to undergone a terrible retribution for things done in past lives, they will be liberated from those retributions. They will be peaceful, happy, easily raised, and will have long lives.

If those children were due to receive blessings, then their peace and happiness will increase, as will their lifespans.

　　　復次普廣：『若未來世中，閻浮提內，剎利、婆羅門、長者、居士、一切人等，及異姓種族，有新產者，或男或女，七日之中，早與讀誦此不可思議經典，更為念菩薩名，可滿萬遍。是新生子，或男或女，宿有殃報，便得解脫，安樂易養，壽命增長。若是承福生者，轉增安樂，及與壽命。』

“Moreover, Universally Expansive, on the first, eighth, fourteenth, fifteenth, eighteenth, twenty-third, twenty-fourth, twenty-eighth, twenty-ninth, and thirtieth days of the lunar month, the offenses of beings are tabulated and their gravity assessed.

“Every single movement or stirring of thought on the part of beings of Jambudvipa creates karma and offenses. How much more is that the case when they blatantly indulge in killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, false speech and hundreds of thousands of other kinds of overt offenses.

　　　復次普廣：『若未來世眾生，于月一日、八日、十四日、十五日、十八日、二十三、二十四、二十八、二十九、乃至三十日，是諸日等，諸罪結集，定其輕重。南閻浮提眾生，舉止動念，無不是業，無不是罪，何況恣情殺害、竊盜、邪淫、妄語、百千罪狀。 “If they are able to recite this Sutra once on those ten vegetarian days, before the images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, or worthy one and sages, then there will be no disasters for within a radius of one hundred yojanas.

能于是十齋日，對佛菩薩諸聖賢聖像前，讀是經一遍，東西南北百由旬內，無諸災難。

The relatives of those who recite, both old and young, now and in the future, will be apart from the Evil Paths throughout hundreds of thousands of years.

當此居家，若長若幼，現在未來百千歲中，永離惡趣，

If they can recite this sutra once on each of these ten vegetarian days, then there will be no accidents or illnesses in the family, and there will be food and clothing in abundance.

能于十齋日每轉一遍，現世令此居家無諸橫病，衣食豐溢。

“Universally Expansive, you should know of the beneficial deeds done by Earth Store Bodhisattva as he makes use of his indescribably many billions of great awesome spiritual powers.

　　　是故普廣，當知地藏菩薩有如是等不可說百千萬億大威神力，利益之事。

The beings of Jambudvipa have strong affinities with this Bodhisattva. If they hear the Bodhisattva’s name, see the Bodhsattva’s image, or hear but a few words, a verse, or sentence of this Sutra, then they will enjoy particularly wonderful peace and happiness in this present life.

Through hundreds of thousands of ten thousands of future lives, they will always be handsome or beautiful, and they will be born into honorable and wealthy families.”

　　　閻浮提眾生，于此大士有大因緣。是諸眾生，聞菩薩名，見菩薩像，乃至聞是經三字五字，或一偈一句者，現在殊妙安樂，未來之世，百千萬生，常得端正，生尊貴家。』

Having heard the Buddha, Thus Come One, praise Earth Store Bodhisattva in that way. Universally Expansive Bodhisattva knelt, placed his palms together, and again addressed the Buddha, saying, “World Honored One, I have long known that this Bodhisattva has both inconceivable spiritual powers and mighty vows. I have questioned the Thus Come One so that beings in the future will know of these benefits. I receive this answer most respectfully.

　　　爾時普廣菩薩聞佛如來稱揚讚歎地藏菩薩已，胡跪合掌復白佛言：『世尊，我久知是大士有如此不可思議神力，及大誓願力，為未來眾生遣知利益，故問如來，唯然頂受。』

World Honored One, how should this Sutra be titled and how should we propagate it?”

The Buddha said to Universally Expansive, “This Sutra has three titles: the first is The Past Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva; it is also called Earth Store’s Past Conduct; and it is called Sutra of the Power of Earth Store’s Past Vows.

『世尊，當何名此經，使我云何流布？』

　　佛告普廣：『此經有三名： 一名 地藏本願， 亦名 地藏本行， 亦名 地藏本誓力經。

Because this Bodhisattva repeatedly makes such great and mighty vows throughout long eons to benefit beings, you should all propagate this Sutra in accord with his vows.”

After Universally Expansive had heard that, he placed his palms together respectfully, made obeisance, and withdrew.

　　緣此菩薩，久遠劫來，發大重願，利益眾生，是故汝等，依願流布。』

　普廣聞已，合掌恭敬作禮而退。

CHAPTER VII Benefiting the Living and the Dead

 利益存亡品第七

At that time Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, I see that every single movement or stirring of thought on the part of beings of Jambudvipa is an offense. Beings tend to use up the wholesome benefits they gain; many of them end up retreating from their initial resolve. If they encounter evil conditions, they augment them with every thought.

They are like people trying to carry heavy rocks while walking through mud. Each step becomes more difficult and the rocks more cumbersome as their feet sink deeper. If they meet a mentor, he may be strong enough to lighten or even totally remove their burdens. Helping them thus, the mentor will urge them to step on solid ground, pointing out that once they reach a level place they should remain aware of that bad path and never traverse it again.

　爾時地藏菩薩摩訶薩白佛言：『世尊，我觀是閻浮提眾生，舉心動念，無非是罪。脫獲善利，多退出心。若遇惡緣，念念增益。是等輩人，如履泥涂，負于重石，漸困漸重，足步深邃。若得遇善知識，替與減負，或全與負。是知識有大力故，復相扶持，勸令牢腳。若達平地，須省惡路，無再經歷。』

“World Honored One, the bad habits of beings range from minor to major. Since all beings have such habits, their parents or relatives should create blessings for them when they are on the verge of dying in order to assist them on the road ahead.

　 『世尊，習惡眾生，從纖毫間，便至無量。是諸眾生有如此習，臨命終時，父母眷屬，宜為設福，以資前路。

That may be done by hanging banners and canopies; lighting oil lamps; reciting the sacred Sutras; making offerings before the images of Buddhas or sages.

Another way to assist them is by reciting the names of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Pratyekabuddhas so that the recitation of each name passes by the ear of the dying one and is heard in his fundamental consciousness.

“Suppose the evil karma created by beings were such that they should fall into the evil destinies. If their relatives cultivate wholesome causes on their behalf when they are close to death, then their manifold offenses can be dissolved.

　或懸翻蓋及燃油燈。或轉讀尊經、或供樣佛像及諸聖像，乃至念佛菩薩，及辟支佛名字，一名一號，歷臨終人耳根，或聞在本識。是諸眾生所造惡業，計其感果，必墮惡趣，緣是眷屬為臨終人修此聖因，如是眾罪，悉皆消滅。』

If relatives can further do many good deeds during the first forty-nine days after the death of such beings, then the deceased can leave the evil destinies forever, be born as humans and gods, and receive supremely wonderful bliss. The surviving relatives will also receive limitless benefits.

　 『若能更為身死之後，七七日內，廣造眾善。能使是諸眾生永離惡趣，得生人天，受勝妙樂，現在眷屬，利益無量。』

“Therefore, before the Buddhas, World Honored Ones, as well as before the gods, dragons, and the rest of the Eightfold Division, humans and non-humans, I now exhort beings of Jambudvipa to be careful to avoid harming, killing, and doing other unwholesome deeds; to refrain from worshipping ghosts and spirits or making sacrifices to them; and to never call on mountain sprites on the day of death.

　 『是故我今對佛世尊，及天龍八部人非人等，勸于閻浮提眾生臨終之日，慎勿殺害，及造惡緣，拜祭鬼神，求諸魍魎。』

Why is that?

“Killing, harming, and making sacrifices are not the least bit helpful to the deceased. Such acts only bind up the conditions of offenses so that they grow ever more deep and heavy.

The deceased might have been due to increase his potential for Sagehood or gain birth among humans or gods in his next life or in the future. But when his family commits offenses in his name, he will resent the disasters he inherits, and his good rebirth will be delayed.

How much more would that be the case for people on the verge of death who during their lives had planted few good roots. Each offender has to undergo the bad destinies according to his own karma. How could anyone bear to have relatives add to that karma?

　 『何以故？爾所殺害乃至祭拜，無纖毫之力，利益亡人，但結罪緣，轉增深重。假使來世或現在生，得獲聖分，生人天中。緣是臨終被諸眷屬造是惡因，亦令是命終人殃累對辯，晚生善處。何況臨命終人，在生未曾有少善根，各據本業，自受惡趣，何忍眷屬更為增業。』

“That would be like having a neighbor add a few more things to a load of over a hundred pounds being carried by someone who had already traveled a long distance and who had not eaten for th ree days. By adding that extra weight, that person’s burden would become even more unbearable.

　　『譬如有人從遠處來，絕糧三日，所負擔物，強過百今，忽遇鄰人，更附少物，以是之故，轉復困重。』 “World Honored One, I see that beings of Jambudvipa will themselves receive the benefit of any good deeds they are able to do within the Buddha’s teaching. That holds true even when the deeds are as small as a strand of hair, a drop of water, a grain of sand, or a mote of dust.”

　 『世尊，我觀閻浮提眾生，但能于諸佛教中，乃至善事，一毛一　，一沙一塵，如是利益，悉皆自得。』

After that had been said, an Elder named Great Eloquence arose in the assembly. He had long since realized Non-production and was only appearing in the body of an Elder to teach and transform those in the Ten Directions.

Placing his palms together respectfully, he asked Earth Store Bodhisattva, “Great Lord, after people in Jambudvipa die and their close and distant relatives generate merit by making meal offerings and doing other such good deeds, will the deceased obtain merit and virtue significant enough to bring about their liberation?

　 說是語時，會中有一長者，名曰大辯，是長者久證無生，化度十方，現長者身，合掌恭敬，問地藏菩薩言：『大士，是南閻浮提眾生，命終之後，小大眷屬，為修功德，乃至設齋，造眾善因，是命終人，得大利益及解脫不？』

Earth Store replied, “Elder, based on the awesome power of the Buddhas, I will now proclaim this principle for the sake of beings of the present and future.

Elder, if beings of the present and future when on the verge of dying hear the name of one Buddha, one Bodhisattva, or one Pratyekabuddha, they will attain liberation whether they have offenses or not.

“When men or women laden with offenses who failed to plant good causes die, even they can receive one-seventh of any merit dedicated to them by relatives who do good deeds on their behalf. The other six-sevenths of the merit will return to the living relatives who did the good deeds.

It follows that men and women of the present and future who cultivate while they are strong and healthy will receive every portion of the benefit derived.”

　 地藏答言：『長者，我今為未來現在一切眾生，承佛威力，略說是事。長者，未來現在諸眾生等，臨命終日，的聞一佛名、一菩薩名、一辟支佛名，不問有罪無罪，悉得解脫。若有男子女人，在生不修善因多造眾罪。命終之後，眷屬大小，為造福利一切聖事，七分之中而乃獲一分，六分功德，生者自利。以是之故，未來現在善男女等，聞健自修，分分己獲。

“The arrival of the Great Ghost of Impermanence is so unexpected that the deceased ones’ consciousnesses first roam in darkness and obscurity, unaware of offenses and blessings.

For forty-nine days they are as if deluded or deaf, or as if in courts where their karmic retributions are being decided. Once judgment is fixed, rebirths are undergone according to their karma.

In the time before rebirths are determined, the deceased suffer thousands of myriads of concerns. How much more is that the case for those who are to fall into the bad destinies.

　　無常大鬼，不期而到，冥冥游神，未知罪福。七七日內，如癡如聾，或在諸司辯論業果。審定之後，據報受生。未測之間，千萬愁苦，何況墮于諸惡趣等。』

“Throughout forty-nine days those whose lives have ended and who have not yet been reborn will be hoping every moment that their immediate relatives will earn blessings powerful enough to rescue them.

At the end of that time the deceased will undergo retribution according to their karma. If someone is an offender, he may pass through hundreds of thousands of years without even a day’s liberation.

If someone’s offenses deserve Fivefold Relentless Retribution, he will fall into the great hells and undergo incessant suffering throughout hundreds of thousands of eons.”

　 『是命終人，未得受生，在七七日內，念念之間，望諸骨肉眷屬，與造福力救拔。過是日後，隨業受報。若市罪人，動經千百歲中，無解脫日。若是五無間罪，墮大地獄，千劫萬劫，永受眾苦。』

“Moreover, Elder, when beings who have committed karmic offenses die, their relatives may prepare vegetarian offerings to aid them on their karmic paths.

In the process of preparing the vegetarian meal and before it has been eaten, rice-washing water and vegetable leaves should not be thrown on the ground. Before the food is offered to the Buddhas and Sangha no one should eat it.

If there is laxness or transgression in this matter, then the deceased will receive no strength from it.

If purity is vigorously maintained in making the offering to the Buddhas and Sangha, the deceased will receive one-seventh of the merit.

Therefore, Elder, by performing vegetarian offerings on behalf of deceased fathers, mothers, and other relatives while making earnest supplication on their behalf, beings of Jambudvipa benefit both the living and the dead.”

　 復次長者：『如是罪業眾生，命終之後，眷屬骨肉，為修營齋，資助道業未齋食竟，及營齊之次，米泔菜葉，不棄于地，乃至諸食為獻佛僧，勿得先食。如有違食，及不精勤，是命終人，了不得力。如精勤護淨奉獻佛僧，是命終人，七分獲一。是故長者，閻浮眾生，若能為其父母乃至眷屬，命終之後，設齋供養，志心勤懇。如是之人，存亡獲利。』

After that was said, hundreds of thousands of millions of nayutas of ghosts and spirits of Jambudvipa who were in the palace of the Trayastrimsha Heaven, made the unlimited resolve to attain Bodhi.

The Elder Great Eloquence made obeisance and withdrew.

　 說是語時，忉利天宮，有千萬億那由他閻浮鬼神，悉發無量菩提之心，大辯長者作禮而退。

CHAPTER VIII Praises of King Yama and His Followers

閻羅王眾讚嘆品第八

At that time from within the Iron Ring Mountain, Lord Yama and his following of infinite ghost kings came before the Buddha in the Trayastrimsha Heaven. They were 爾時鐵圍山內，有無量鬼王，與閻羅天子，俱詣忉利，來到佛前。所謂 the Ghost King Evil Poison, the Ghost King Many Evils, the Ghost King Great Argument, the Ghost King White Tiger, 惡毒鬼王、 多惡鬼王、 大諍鬼王、 白虎鬼王、 the Ghost King Blood Tiger, the Ghost King Crimson Tiger, the Ghost King Spreading Disaster, the Ghost King Flying Body, 飛身鬼王、 電光鬼王、 狼牙鬼王、 千眼鬼王、 the Ghost King Lightning Flash, the Ghost King Wolf Tooth, the Ghost King Thousand Eyes, the Ghost King Animal Eater, 啖獸鬼王、 負石鬼王、 主耗鬼王、 主禍鬼王、 the Ghost King Rock Bearer, the Ghost King Lord of Bad News, the Ghost King Lord of Calamities, the Ghost King Lord of Food, 主食鬼王、 主財鬼王、 主畜鬼王、 主禽鬼王、 the Ghost King Lord of Wealth, the Ghost King Lord of Domestic Animals, the Ghost King Lord of Birds, the Ghost King Lord of Beasts, 主獸鬼王、 主魅鬼王、 主產鬼王、 主命鬼王、 the Ghost King Lord of Mountain Sprites, the Ghost King Lord of Birth, the Ghost King Lord of Life, the Ghost King Lord of Sickness, 　 主疾鬼王、 主險鬼王、 三目鬼王、 四目鬼王、 the Ghost King Lord of Danger, the Ghost King Three Eyes, the Ghost King Four Eyes, the Ghost King Five Eyes, 　 五目鬼王、 祁利失王、 大祁利失王、 祁利叉王、 the Ch’i Li Shih King, the Great Ch’i Li Shih King, the Ch’i Li Ch’a King, the Great Ch’i Li Ch’a King, the No Ch’a King, the Great No Ch’a King, 大祁利叉王、 阿那吒王、 大阿那吒王、 and other such great ghost kings. With them were hundreds of thousands of minor ghost kings who dwelt throughout Jambudvipa; each presiding over certain jurisdictions.

Aided by the Buddha’s awesome spiritual strength and the power of Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva all these ghost kings joined Lord Yama in the Trayastrimsha Heaven and together they stood to one side.

　　如是等大鬼王，各各與百千諸小鬼王，儘居閻浮提，個有所執，各有所主。是諸鬼王與閻羅天子，承佛威神，及地藏菩薩摩訶薩力，俱詣忉利，在一面立。

Then Lord Yama knelt down, placed his palms together, and said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, aided by the Buddha’s awesome spiritual strength and the power of Earth Store Bodhisattva, I have been able to come to this great assembly in the Trayastrimsha Heaven, with all these ghost kings and, to our benefit, join in together.

There is now a small doubt that I should like to express, and we hope the World Honored One will be compassionate and resolve it.”

　　爾時閻羅天子胡跪合掌白佛言：『世尊，我等今者與諸鬼王，承佛威神，及地藏菩薩摩訶薩力，方得詣此忉利大會，亦是我等獲善利故。我今有小疑事，敢問世尊。唯願世尊慈悲宣說。』

The Buddha told Lord Yama, “I will answer whatever you want to ask.”

　 佛告閻羅天子：『恣汝所問，吾為汝說。』

At that time Lord Yama looked respectfully at the World Honored One, made obeisance, turned his head to acknowledge Earth Store Bodhisattva, and then said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, I observe that Earth Store Bodhisattva uses hundreds of thousands of expedient means to take across beings who are suffering for their offenses within the Six Paths of rebirth. I see that he does so unstintingly, without the least fatigue.

　 是時閻羅天子瞻禮世尊，及回視地藏菩薩，而白佛言：『世尊，我觀地藏菩薩在六道中，百千方便而度罪苦眾生，不辭疲倦，

Although this Great Bodhisattva uses his inconceivable spiritual penetrations to do such deeds, it doesn’t take long for the beings whom he has helped in gaining release from retributions to fall again into the bad paths.

　是大菩薩有如是不可思議神通之事。然諸眾生獲脫罪報，未久之間，又墮惡道。

“World Honored One, since Earth Store Bodhisattva has such great inconceivable spiritual power, why are beings not able to rely on it, to stay in the good paths, and to be freed once and for all?

Please, World Honored One, explain that for us.”

　世尊，是地藏菩薩既有如是不可思議神力世尊，云何眾生而不依止善道世尊，永取解脫世尊？唯願世尊為我解說。』

The Buddha told Lord Yama, “The beings of Jambudvipa have stubborn and obstinate natures, difficult to tame, difficult to subdue.

This Great Bodhisattva continually rescues such beings throughout hundreds of thousands of eons and causes them to obtain liberation quickly.

佛告閻羅天子：『南閻浮提眾生，其性剛強，難調難服。是大菩薩，于百千劫，頭頭救拔如是眾生，早另解脫。

For those beings undergoing retributions even in the worst destinies, the Bodhisattva applies the strength of expedients to extricate them from their own basic karmic conditions and lead them to understand the events of their past lives.

But because beings of Jambudvipa are so bound by their own heavy bad habits, they keep revolving in and out of the various paths over and over as this Bodhisattva labors throughout many long eons to entirely effect their rescue and release.

　是罪報人乃至墮大惡趣，菩薩以方便力，拔出根本業緣，而遣悟宿世之事。自是閻浮提眾生結惡習重，旋出旋入，勞斯菩薩久經劫數而作度脫。』

“They are like people who in confusion, lost their way home and took a bad road by mistake. On that treacherous road were many Yakshas, tigers, wolves, lions, serpents, and vipers.

Those confused people were sure to be harmed in an instant on that dangerous path.

But then they met a knowledgeable guide, skilled in neutralizing all harm, including the toxins of the Yakshas and others.

The mentor began to guide the travelers off that road and told them, ‘Beware, everyone! What business brought you onto this road? What kinds of special skills do you have to avoid all that harm?’

　 『譬如有人迷失本家，誤入險道，其險道中，多諸夜叉、及虎狼獅子、蛇蝮蠍。如是迷人，在險道中，須臾之間，即遭諸毒。有一知識，多解大術，善禁是毒，乃及夜叉諸惡毒等。忽逢迷人欲進險道，而語之言：「咄哉男子，為何事故而入此路，有何異術，能制諸毒。」

Hearing that, the confused travelers realized they were on a dangerous path and turned back, attempting to escape.

“The kind guide then told them to join hands, led them off the dangerous path, and helped them avoid the deadly peril. When they reached a safe path, the travelers grew happy and at peace.

　是迷路人忽聞是語，方知險道，即便退步，求出此路。是善知識，提攜接手，引出險道，免諸惡毒。至于好道，令得安樂。

　Their mentor then said to them. ‘Take care, confused ones, never to go back into that road again. Once on it, it is hard to get off; it can destroy a person’s very nature and life.’

　而語之言：「咄哉迷人，自今以後，勿履是道。此路入者，卒難得出，復損性命。」

The travelers who had been confused expressed their deep gratitude and as they were about to part the mentor said to them, ‘If you see any other travelers, whether you know them personally or not, be they men or women, tell them that the poisons and evils on that path could harm their natures and lives. Do not allow them to unwittingly bring about their own deaths.’

　是迷路人亦生感重。臨別之時，知識又言：「若見親知及諸路人，若男若女，言于此路多諸毒惡，喪失性命。無令是眾自取其死。」』

In the same way, Earth Store Bodhisattva, replete with great compassion, rescues beings who are suffering for their offenses and enables them to be born among humans and gods where they enjoy wonderful bliss.

　 『是故地藏菩薩俱大慈悲，救拔罪苦眾生，生人天中，令受妙樂。

“Once those offenders obtain release from the suffering they experienced in the paths where their karma took them, they should never go down those roads again.

They are like the lost people who mistakenly took a wrong road and were lead off it by a kind mentor. They now know to never take that road again.

　 是諸罪眾，知業道苦，脫出得離，永不再歷。如迷路, 人，誤入險道，遇善知識引接令出，永不復入。逢見他人，復勸莫入。

Moreover, they exhort others not to enter that road by saying, ‘We took that road ourselves when we got confused, but we escaped and now we know better than to ever enter that road again. If we were to set foot on it again, we would get confused and be unable to recognize it as the dangerous path we descended into before. That being the case, we might lose our lives.’

The same holds true for falling into the bad destinies. Due to the powerful expedient means of Earth Store Bodhisattva, beings can be freed and can gain rebirth as humans or gods.

自言因是迷故，得解脫竟，更不復入。若再履踐，猶尚迷誤，不覺舊曾所落險道，或致失命。如墮惡趣，地藏菩薩方便力故，使另解脫，生人天中。

If they were to then turn around and enter into the bad destinies again, then those with heavy karmic bonds might remain in the hells forever with no chance of escape.”

　　旋又再入，若業結重，永處地獄，無解脫時。』

At that time the Ghost King Evil Poison placed his palms together respectfully, addressed the Buddha, and said, “World Honored One, each of us countless ghost kings of Jambudvipa bestows benefit or inflicts harm on beings differently. But our karmic retributions are such that we and our followers roam in the world doing much evil and little good.

　 爾時惡毒鬼王合掌恭敬白佛言：『世尊，我等諸鬼王，其數無量，在閻浮提，或利益人，或損害人，各各不同。然是業報，使我眷屬游行世界，多惡少善。

When we pass a household, a city, a town, a garden, a cottage or a hut where there are men or women who have cultivated as little as a hair’s worth of good deeds, who have hung but one banner or one canopy, who have used a little incense or a few flowers as offerings to images of Buddhas or Bodhisattvas, or who have recited the sacred Sutras or burned incense as an offering to even one sentence or gatha in them, we ghost kings will respect such people as we would the Buddhas of the past, present, and future.

　　過人家庭，或城邑聚落，莊園房舍。或有男子女人，修毛髮善事，乃至懸一　一蓋，少香少華，供養佛像及菩薩像。或轉讀尊經，燒香供養一句一偈。

We will instruct the smaller ghosts, each of whom has great power, as well as the earth spirits, to protect such people. Bad situations, accidents, severe or unexpected illnesses, and all other unwelcome events will not even come near their residences or other places they may be, much less enter the door.”

　　我等鬼王敬禮是人，如過去現在未來諸佛。敕諸小鬼，各有大力，及土地分，便令衛護，不令惡事橫事、惡病橫病，乃至不如意事，近于此舍等處，何況入門。』

The Buddha praised the ghost kings, “Excellent, excellent, that all of you ghost kings join Lord Yama in protecting good men and women in that way. I shall tell Lord Brahma and Lord Shakra to see that you are protected as well.”

　 佛讚嘆鬼王：『善哉善哉。汝等及與閻羅，能如是擁護善男女等，吾亦告梵王帝釋，令衛護汝。』

When that was said, a ghost king in the assembly named Lord of Life said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, my karmic conditions are such that I have jurisdiction over the lifespans of people in Jambudvipa, governing both the time of their births and their deaths.

　 說是語時，會中有一鬼王，名曰主命，白佛言：『世尊，我本業緣，主閻浮人命，生時死時，我皆主之。

My fundamental vows are based on a great desire to benefit them, but people do not understand my intent and go through birth and death in distress. Why is that?

　在我本願，甚欲利益。自是眾生不會我意，致令生死俱不得安。何以故。

“When women in Jambudvipa have just borne children, be they boys or girls, or when they are just about to give birth, good deeds should be done to increase the benefits of the household, thus causing the local earth spirits to be immeasurably pleased. The spirits will then protect the mother and child so that they experience peace and happiness; they will bring benefit to the entire family.

　是閻浮提人初生之時，不問男女，或欲生時，但作善事，增益宅舍，自令土地無量歡喜，擁護子母，得大安樂，利益眷屬。

After the birth, all killing for the purpose of offering fresh meat to the mother should be carefully avoided, as should parties that involve consumption of alcohol, eating of meat, singing, and playing musical instruments. All those things can keep the mother and child from being peaceful and happy.

　或已生下，慎勿殺害，取諸鮮味供給產母，及廣聚眷屬，飲酒食肉，歌樂弦管，能令子母不得安樂。』

Why is that?At the difficult time of birth, uncountable evil ghosts, including mountain sprites, goblins, and spirit-beings, desire to eat the strong-smelling blood. I quickly order the local earth spirits of that household to protect the mother and child, allowing them to be peaceful and happy and to receive other benefits.

　『何以故。是產難時，有無數惡鬼及魍魎精魅，欲食腥血。是我早令舍宅土地靈只。荷護子母，使令安樂，而得利益。

When people in such households witness those benefits, they should do meritorious deeds to express their gratitude to the earth spirits. If instead, they harm and kill, and have big parties involving feasting and entertainment, then the retributions that result from such offenses will be born by they themselves and will bring harm to the mother and child as well.

　如是之人，見安樂故，便合設福，答諸土地。翻為殺害，聚集眷屬。以是之故，犯殃自受，子母俱損。』

“Moreover, when people of Jambudvipa are on the verge of death, I wish to keep them from falling into the Evil Paths, regardless of whether they have done good or evil.

But how much is this power of mine to help them increased when they have personally cultivated good roots!

　 『又閻浮提臨命終人，不問善惡，我欲令是命終之人，不落惡道。何況自修善根增我力故。

When those who do good in Jambudvipa are about to die, hundreds of thousands of ghosts and spirits from the Evil Paths transform themselves and appear as the parents or other relatives in an attempt to lead such people to fall into the Evil Paths.

How much more is that the case for those who have done evil deeds!

　 是閻浮提行善之人，臨命終時，亦有百千惡道鬼神，或變作父母，乃至諸眷屬，引接亡人，令落惡道。何況本造惡者。』

“World Honored One, when men or women in Jambudvipa are on the verge of death, their consciousnesses and spirits become confused and dark. They are unable to discriminate between good and evil, and their eyes and ears are unable to see or hear.

That is why relatives of those deceased should make generous offerings, recite the sacred Sutras, and recite the names of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. Such good conditions can cause the deceased to leave the Evil Paths, and all the demons, ghosts, and spirits will withdraw and disperse.

　 『世尊，如是閻浮提男子女人臨命終時，神識　昧，不辨善惡，乃至眼耳更無見聞。是諸眷屬，當須設大供養，轉讀尊經，念佛菩薩名號。如是善緣，能令亡者離諸惡道，諸魔鬼神悉皆退散。』

“World Honored One, if at the time of death beings of any kind have an opportunity to hear the name of one Buddha or Bodhisattva or to hear a sentence or gatha of a Mahayana Sutra, I observe that such beings can quickly be freed from the pull of their accumulated minor bad deeds that would otherwise send them to the bad paths.

The exception to that is crimes involving killing that warrant Fivefold Relentless Retribution.”

　 『世尊，一切眾生臨命終時，若得聞一佛名，一菩薩名，或大乘經典，一句一偈。我觀如是輩人，除五無間殺害之罪，小小惡業，合墮惡趣者，尋即解脫。』

The Buddha told the Ghost King Lord of Life, “Because of your great compassion, you are able to make such great vows and protect all beings in the midst of life and death.

When men or women in the future undergo birth and death, do not withdraw from your vow, but liberate them all so they gain eternal peace.”

　 佛告主命鬼王：『汝大慈故，能發如是大願，于生死中，護諸眾生。若未來世中，有男子女人至生死時，汝莫退是願，總令解脫，永得安樂。』

The ghost king told the Buddha, “Please do not be concerned. Until the end of my life I shall in every thought protect beings of Jambudvipa both at the time of birth and at the time of death, so that they all gain tranquility. I only wish that at the time of birth and of death they will believe what I say, so that they all can be liberated and gain many benefits.”

鬼王白佛言：『願不有慮。我畢是形，念念擁護閻浮眾生，生時死時，俱得安樂。但願諸眾生于生死時，信受我語，無不解脫，獲大利益。』

At that time the Buddha told Earth Store Bodhisattva, “This great Ghost King Lord of Life has already passed through hundreds of thousands of lives as a ghost king, protecting beings during both birth and death. Only because of this Great Being’s compassionate vows does he appear in the body of a ghost, for in reality he is not a ghost.

爾時佛告地藏菩薩：『是大鬼王主命者，已曾經百千生，作大鬼王，于生死中，擁護眾生。是大士慈悲願故，現大鬼身，實非鬼也。

After one hundred seventy eons have passed, he will become a Buddha named No Appearance Thus Come One. His eon will be called Happiness, and his world will be named Pure Dwelling. That Buddha’s lifespan will be incalculable eons.

　卻後過一百七十劫，當得成佛，號曰「無相如來」，劫名「安樂」，世界名「淨住」，其佛壽命不可計劫。

Earth Store, the circumstances surrounding this great ghost king are thus. They are inconceivable, and the people and gods whom he takes across are countless.”

　地藏，是大鬼王，其事如是不可思議，所度人天亦不可限量。』

CHAPTER IX The Names of Buddhas

稱佛名號品第九

At that time, Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, I want to discuss some practices that will be helpful to beings of the future and will enable them to gain great benefit throughout their lives and deaths. World Honored One, please hear my words.”

　爾時地藏菩薩摩訶薩白佛言：『世尊，我今為未來眾生演利益事，于生死中，得大利益，唯願世尊聽我說之。』

The Buddha told Earth Store Bodhisattva, “Now with your expansive compassion you wish to discuss the inconceivable events involved in rescuing all those in the Six Paths who are suffering for their offenses. This is the right time. Speak now, since my Nirvana is near, so that I may soon help you complete your vows. Then I too will have no need to be concerned about beings of the present or future.”

　 佛告地藏菩薩：『汝今欲興慈悲，救拔一切罪苦六道眾生，演不思議事，今正是時，唯當速說。吾即涅槃，使汝早畢是願，吾亦無憂現在未來一切眾生。』

Earth Store Bodhisattva said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, countless Asamkhyeya eons ago a Buddha named Boundless Body Thus Come One appeared in the world.

If men or women hear this Buddha’s name and have a momentary thought of respect, those people will overstep the heavy offenses involved in birth and death for forty eons. How much more will that be the case for those who sculpt or paint this Buddha’s image or praise and make offerings to him. The merit they obtain will be limitless and unbounded.

地藏菩薩白佛言：『世尊，過去無量阿僧衹劫，有佛出世，號無邊身如來。若有男子女人聞是佛名，暫生恭敬，即得超越四十劫生死重罪。何況塑畫形像，恭敬讚歎，其人或福無量無邊。』

“Furthermore, in the past as many eons ago as there are grains of sand in the Ganges River, a Buddha named Jewel Nature Thus Come One appeared in the world.

If men or women hear this Buddha’s name and instantly decide to take refuge, those people will never retreat from the Unsurpassed Path.

　 『又于過去恒河沙劫，有佛出世，號寶性如來。若有男子女人聞是佛名，一彈指頃，發心皈依，是人于無上道永不退轉。』

“Furthermore, in the past a Buddha named Padma Supreme Thus Come One appeared in the world. If men or women hear this Buddha’s name or if the sound of the name merely passes into their ears, those people will be reborn one thousand times in the Six Desire Heavens. How much more will that be the case if those people sincerely recite the name of that Thus Come One.

　 『又于過去有佛出世，號波頭摩勝如來。若有男子女人聞是佛名，歷于耳根，是人當得千返生于六欲天中，何況志心稱念。』

“Furthermore, in the past inexpressibly ineffable Asamkhyeya eons ago, a Buddha named Lion’s Roar Thus Come One appeared in the world. If men or women hear this Buddha’s name and in a single thought take refuge, those people will encounter numberless Buddhas who will rub the crowns of their heads and bestow predictions of enlightenment upon them.

　 『又于過去不可說不可說阿僧衹劫，有佛出世，號師子吼如來。若有男子女人聞是佛名，一念皈依，是人得遇無量諸佛摩頂授記。』

“Furthermore, in the past a Buddha named Krakucchanda appeared in the world. If men or women hear this Buddha’s name and sincerely behold, worship, or praise him, those people will become Great Brahma Heaven kings in the assemblies of the thousand Buddhas of the Worthy Eon and will there receive superior predictions.

　 『又于過去有佛出世，號拘留孫佛。若有男子女人聞是佛名，志心瞻禮或復讚歎，是人于賢劫千佛會中，為大梵王，得授上記。』

“Furthermore, in the past a Buddha named Vipashin appeared in the world. If men or women hear this Buddha’s name, those people will eternally avoid falling into the Evil Paths, will always be born among people or gods, and will abide in supremely wonderful bliss.

　 『又于過去有佛出世，號毗羅尸。若有男子女人聞是佛名，永不墮惡道，常生人天，受勝妙樂。』

“Furthermore, in the past as many eons ago as there are grains of sand in limitless and countless Ganges Rivers, a Buddha named Jewel Supreme appeared in the world. If men or women hear this Buddha’s name, those people will never fall into the Evil Paths and will always abide in the heavens experiencing supremely wonderful bliss.

　 『又于過去無量無數恆河沙劫，有佛出世，號寶勝如來。若有男子女人聞是佛名，畢竟不墮惡道，常在天上受勝妙樂。』

“Furthermore, in the past a Buddha named Jeweled Appearance Thus Come One appeared in the world. If men or women hear this Buddha’s name and give rise to a thought of respect, those people will soon attain the fruitions of Arhatship.

　 『又于過去有佛出世，號寶相如來。若有男子女人聞是佛名，生恭敬心，是人不久得阿羅漢果。』

“Furthermore, limitless Asamkhyeya eons ago, a Buddha named Kashaya Banner Thus Come One appeared in the world. If men or women hear this Buddha’s name, those people will overcome the offenses of birth and death for one hundred great eons.

　 『又于過去無量阿僧衹劫，有佛出世，號袈裟幢如來。若有男子女人聞是佛名，超一百大劫生死之罪。』

“Furthermore, in the past a Buddha named Great Penetration Mountain King Thus Come One appeared in the world. If men or women hear this Buddha’s name, those people will encounter as many Buddhas as there are grains of sand in the Ganges, who will speak Dharma extensively for them, making certain that they realize Bodhi.

　 『又于過去有佛出世，號大通山王如來。若有男子女人聞是佛名者，是人得遇恆河沙佛廣為說法，必成菩提。』

“Furthermore, in the past there were Buddhas named Pure Moon Buddha, Mountain King Buddha, Wise Victory Buddha, Pure Name King Buddha, Accomplished Wisdom Buddha, Unsurpassed Buddha, Wonderful Sound Buddha, Full Moon Buddha,

Moon-Face Buddha, and indescribably many other Buddhas.

『又于過去有淨月佛、山王佛、智勝佛、淨名王佛、智成就佛、無上佛、妙聲佛、滿月佛、月面佛有如是等不可說佛。

“World Honored One, beings of the present and future, both gods and humans, both male and female, can amass such limitless merit and virtue by reciting only one Buddha’s name. How much more merit will they amass by reciting many names.

　世尊，現在未來一切眾生，若天若人，若男若女，但念得一佛名號，功德無量，何況多名。』

Those beings will personally obtain benefits in their lives and deaths significant enough to keep them from ever falling into the Evil Paths.

“When people are on the verge of dying, a group of their relatives, or even just one of them, should recite Buddhas’ names aloud for the people who are sick. By doing so, the karmic retributions of those people who are about to die will be dissolved, even offenses deserving Fivefold Relentless Retribution.

　 『是眾生等，生時死時，自的大利，終不墮惡道。若有臨命終人，家中眷屬，乃至一人，為是病人高聲念一佛名，是命終人，除五無間罪，余業報等悉得消滅。

Offenses warranting Fivefold Relentless Retribution are so extremely heavy that those who commit them should not escape retribution for millions of eons. If, however, at the time of such offenders’ deaths, someone recites the names of Buddhas on their behalf, then their offenses can gradually be dissolved.

How much more will that be the case for beings who recited those names themselves. The merit they attain will be limitless and will eradicate measureless offenses.”

　　是五無間罪，雖至極重，動經億劫，了不得出，承斯臨命終時，他人為其稱念佛名，于是罪中，亦漸消滅。何況眾生自稱自念，獲福無量，滅無量罪。』

CHAPTER X The Conditions and Comparative Merits and Virtues of Giving

校量布施功德緣品第十

At that time. Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva, based on the Buddha’s awesome spiritual strength, arose from his seat, knelt on one knee, placed his palms together and said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, I have observed beings within the paths of karma and compared their acts of giving. Some do a little and some do a lot. Some receive blessings for one life, some for ten lives, and some receive great blessings and benefits for hundreds or thousands of lives. Why is that? Please, World Honored One, explain that for us.”

　　爾時地藏菩薩摩訶薩承佛威神，從座而起，胡跪合掌白佛言：『世尊，我觀業道眾生，校量布施，有輕有重，有一生受福，有十生受福，有百生千生受大福利者。是事云何，唯願世尊為我說之。』

At that time the Buddha told Earth Store Bodhisattva, “Here in this assembly in the palace of the Trayastrimsha Heaven, I will now discuss the comparative merit and virtue derived from acts of giving done by the beings in Jambudvipa. Listen attentively to what I say.”

Earth Store said to the Buddha, “I have wondered about this matter and will be pleased to listen.”

　 爾時佛告地藏菩薩：『吾今于忉利天宮一切會眾，說閻浮提布施較量功德輕重，汝當諦聽，吾為汝說。』

地藏白佛言：『我疑是事，願樂欲聞。』

The Buddha told Earth Store Bodhisattva, “In Jambudvipa, leaders of nations, prime ministers, high officials, great Elders, great Ksatriyas, great Brahmans, and others may encounter those who are poor,

hunchbacked, crippled, dumb, mute, deaf, retarded, blind or handicapped in other ways.

　 佛告地藏菩薩：『南閻浮提，有國王、宰輔大臣、大長者、大剎利、大婆羅門等，若遇最下貧窮，乃至癃殘　啞，聾癡無目，如是種種不完具者。

Those leaders and good people may wish to give to those people and may be able to do so with great compassion, a humble heart, and a smile. They may arrange to give generously, either personally with their own hands, or by arranging for others to do so, using gentle words and sympathetic speech.

The blessings and benefits that such leaders and good people will accrue will be comparable to the meritorious virtues derived from giving to as many Buddhas as there are grains of sand in a hundred Ganges Rivers. Why is that?

是大國王等欲布施時，若能具大慈悲下心含下，親手遍布施，或使人施，軟語慰諭，是國王等所獲福利，如布施百恒河沙佛功德之力。何以故。

Those leaders and good people will receive such rewards of blessings and benefits for having shown a great compassionate heart toward the most impoverished and handicapped individuals.

Throughout hundreds of thousands of lives to come they will always have an abundance of the seven gems, not to mention clothing, food, and the necessities of life.

　　緣是國王等，于最貧賤輩及不完具者，發大慈心，是故福利有如此報。百生千生中，常得七寶具足，何況衣食受用。』

“Moreover, Earth Store, in the future the leaders of nations, Brahmans, and others may encounter Buddhist stupas, monasteries, or images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Sound-hearers, or Pratyekabuddhas and personally make offerings or give gifts to them.

From doing that, those leaders and good people will serve as Lord Shakra for a duration of three eons, enjoying supremely wonderful bliss.

If they are able to transfer the blessings and benefits of that giving and dedicate it to the Dharma Realm, then those leaders of nations and good people will reign as great Brahma Heaven kings for ten eons.

復次地藏：『若未來世，有諸國王，至婆羅門等，遇佛塔寺，或佛形像，乃至菩薩聲聞辟支佛像，躬自營辦供養布施。是國王等，當得三劫為帝釋身，受勝妙樂。若能以此布施福利，回向法界，是大國王等，于十劫中，常為大梵天王。』

“Moreover, Earth Store, in the future leaders of nations, Brahmans, and others may, upon encountering ancient Buddhist stupas and monasteries or sutras and images that are damaged, decaying, or broken, resolve to restore them.

Those leaders and good people may then do so themselves or encourage others, as many as hundreds of thousands of people to help and thereby establish affinities.

　 復次地藏：『若未來世，有諸國王，至婆羅門等，遇先佛塔廟，或至經像，毀壞破落，乃能發心修補。是國王等，或自營辦，或勸他人，乃至百千人等布施結緣。

Those leaders and good people will become Wheel-Turning Kings for hundreds of thousands of successive lives and those who made offerings with them will be leaders of small nations for as many lives.

If, before the stupas or monasteries, they resolve to dedicate that merit, then, based on that limitless and unbounded reward, those leaders, good people, and their helpers will eventually all complete the path to Buddhahood.

　　是國王等，百生千生中常為轉輪王身。如是他人同布施者，百生千生中常為小國王身。更能于塔廟前，發回向心。如是國王乃及諸人，盡成佛道，以此果報無量無邊。』

“Moreover, Earth Store, in the future, leaders of nations, Brahmans, and others may have compassionate thoughts upon seeing the old, the sick, or women in child birth, and may provide them with medicinal herbs, food, drink, and bedding so as to make them peaceful and comfortable.

The blessings and benefits derived from doing that are quite inconceivable. For one hundred eons they will always be lords of the Pure Dwelling Heavens, for two hundred eons they will be lords in the Six Desire Heavens, and they will ultimately attain Buddhahood. They will never fall into the Evil Paths, and for hundreds of thousands of lives they will hear no sounds of suffering.

　 復次地藏：『未來世中，有諸國王及婆羅門等，見諸老病及生產婦女，若一念間，具大慈心，布施醫藥飲食臥具，使令安樂。如是福利最不思議，一百劫中常為淨居天主，二百劫中常為六欲天主，畢竟成佛，永不墮惡道，乃至百千生中，耳不聞苦聲。』

“Moreover, Earth Store, if in the future, leaders of nations, Brahmans, and others can give in that way, they will receive limitless blessings.

“If they are in addition, able to dedicate that merit, be it great or small, they will ultimately attain Buddhahood. How much more easily will they be able to attain the rewards of becoming Shakra, Brahma, or a Wheel-Turning King.

Therefore, Earth Store, you should urge beings everywhere to learn to give in those ways.

　 復次地藏：『未來世中，有諸國王及婆羅門等，能作如是布施，獲福無量。更能回向，不問多少，畢竟成佛，何況帝釋轉輪之報。是故地藏，普勸眾生當如是學。』

“Moreover, Earth Store, in the future if good men or good women only manage to plant a few good roots within the Buddhadharma, equivalent to no more than a strand of hair, a grain of sand, or a mote of dust, they will receive incomparable blessings and benefits.

　 復次地藏：『未來世中，若善男子善女人，于佛法中，種少善根，毛髮沙塵等許，所受福利，不可為喻。』

“Moreover, Earth Store, good men or women in the future may, upon encountering images of Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Pratyekabuddhas, or Wheel-Turning Kings, give gifts or make offerings to them.

Such persons will attain limitless blessings and will always enjoy supremely wonderful bliss among people and gods.

If they can dedicate that merit to the Dharma Realm, their blessings and benefits will be beyond compare.

　復次地藏：『未來世中，若有善男子善女人，遇佛形像、辟支佛形像、轉論王形像，布施供養得無量福，常在人天受勝妙樂。若能回向法界，是人福利不可為喻。』

“Moreover, Earth Store, good men or good women in the future may, upon encountering Great Vehicle sutras or upon hearing but a single gatha or a sentence, be inspired to praise, venerate, give gifts, and make offerings to them.

Those people will attain great limitless and unbounded rewards. If they can dedicate that merit to the Dharma Realm, their blessings will be beyond compare.

　 復次地藏：『未來世中，若有善男子善女人，遇大乘經典，或聽聞一偈一句，發殷重心，讚歎恭敬，布施供養。是人或大果報，無量無邊。若能回向法界，其福不可為喻。』

“Moreover, Earth Store, in the future, good men or good women may, upon encountering new Buddhist stupas, monasteries, or sutras of the Great Vehicle, give gifts and make offerings to them, gaze at them in worship, and respectfully make praises with joined palms.

　 復次地藏：『若未來世中，有善男子善女人，遇佛塔寺，大乘經典。新者布施供養，瞻禮讚歎，恭敬合掌。

They may, upon encountering old ones or those that have been destroyed or damaged, either do the repairing or rebuilding themselves or encourage others to help them.

Those who help will become leaders of small nations throughout thirty successive lives. The donors themselves will always be Wheel-Turning Kings who will use the good Dharma to teach and transform those leaders of small nations.

　　若遇故者，或毀壞者，修補營理，或獨發心，或勸多人同共發心。如是等輩，三十生中常為諸小國王，檀越之人，常為輪王，還以善法教化諸小國王。』

“Moreover, Earth Store, in the future, good men or good women may plant good roots in the Buddhadharma by giving, making offerings, repairing stupas or monasteries, rebinding sutras, or doing other good deeds amounting to no more than a strand of hair, a mote of dust, a grain of sand, or a drop of water. Merely by transferring the merit from such deeds to the Dharma Realm, those people’s meritorious virtues will enable them to enjoy superior and wonderful bliss for hundreds of thousands of lives.

　 復次地藏：『未來世中，若有善男子善女人，于佛法中所種善根，或布施供養，或修補塔寺，或裝理經典，乃至一毛一塵，一沙一　。如是善事，但能回向法界，是人功德，百千生中受上妙樂。

If they dedicate the merit only to their immediate or extended families or to their own personal benefit, then the rewards received will be only three lives of happiness. By giving up one, a ten-thousandfold reward is obtained.

“So it is. Earth Store. The circumstances involved in the causes and conditions of giving are like that.”

　　但如迴向自家眷屬，或自身利益，如是之果，即三生受樂，舍一得萬報。是故地藏，布施因緣，其事如是。』

CHAPTER XI The Dharma Protection of an Earth Spirit

地神護法品第十一

At that time the Earth Spirit Firm and Stable spoke to the Buddha and said, “World Honored One, from long ago I have personally beheld and bowed to limitless numbers of Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas. All of them have inconceivable and great spiritual penetrations and wisdom that they use in taking vast numbers of beings across. Among all the Bodhisattvas, Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva has the deepest and most weighty vows.

　　爾時堅牢地神白佛言：『世尊，我從昔來瞻視頂禮無量菩薩摩訶薩，皆是大不可思議神通智慧，廣度眾生。

“World Honored One, Earth Store Bodhisattva has great affinities in Jambudvipa. Manjushri, Samantabhadra, Avalokiteshvara, and Maitreya, also produce by transformation, hundreds of thousands of bodies to take across those in the Six Paths, but their vows have an end.

Earth Store Bodhisattva has made these vows to teach and transform beings in the Six Paths throughout eons as many as the number of sand grains in hundreds of thousands of millions of Ganges Rivers.

　　是地藏菩薩摩訶薩，于閻浮提有大因緣。如文殊、普賢、觀音、彌勒，亦化身百千身形，度于六道，其願尚有畢竟。是地藏菩薩教化六道一切眾生，所發誓願劫數，如千百億恆河沙。』

“World Honored One, as I regard beings of the present and future, I see those who make shrines of clay, stone, bamboo, or wood and set them on pure ground in the southern part of their dwellings. They place within the shrines images of Earth Store Bodhisattva, either sculpted, painted, or made of gold, silver, copper, or iron. They then light incense, make offerings, behold, worship, and praise him.

　 『世尊，我觀未來及現在眾生，于所住處，于南方清潔之地，以土石竹木作其龕室，是中能塑畫，乃至金銀銅鐵，作地藏形像，燒香供養，瞻禮讚嘆，是人居處，

　By doing those things, such people will receive ten kinds of benefits.

　即得十種利益。何等為十？』

“What are those ten? First, their lands will be fertile. Second, their families and homes will always be peaceful. Third, their ancestors will be born in the heavens. Fourth, those of the current generation will enjoy benefits and long lives. Fifth, they will easily obtain what they want. 　一者、土地豐壤； 二者、家宅永安； 三者、先亡生天； 四者、現存益壽； 五者、所求遂意；

Sixth, they will not encounter disasters of water and fire. Seventh, they will avoid unforeseen calamities. Eighth, they will never have nightmares. Ninth, they will be protected by spirits in their daily comings and goings. Tenth, they will encounter many causes that pertain to Sagehood.

　 六者、無水火災； 七者、虛耗辟除； 八者、杜絕惡夢； 九者、出入神護； 十者、多遇聖因。

World Honored One, beings of the present and future who make offerings in their homes in the prescribed manner will attain benefits like those.”

　 『世尊，未來世中，及現在眾生，若能于所住方面，作如是供養，得如是利益。』

He further said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, good men or good women in the future may keep this Sutra and an image of the Bodhisattva where they live. Further, they may recite the Sutra and make offerings to the Bodhisattva.

For those who do that, I shall constantly use my own spiritual powers to guard and protect them day and night so that nothing bad happens to them, including floods, fire, robbery and theft, major disasters, and minor accidents.”

　 復白佛言：『世尊，未來世中，若有善男子善女人，于所住處，有此經典及菩薩像，是人更能轉讀經典，供養菩薩。我常日夜以本神力，衛護是人，乃至水火盜賊，大橫小橫，一切惡事，悉皆消滅。』

The Buddha told the Earth Spirit Firm and Stable, “There are few spirits who can match your great spiritual power. Why do I say that?

“All the lands in Jambudvipa receive your protection. All the grasses, woods, sands, stones, paddy fields, hemp, bamboo, reeds, grains, rice, and gems come forth from the earth because of your power.

　 佛告堅牢地神：『汝大神力，諸神少及。何以故。閻浮土地，悉蒙汝護，乃至草木沙石，稻麻竹葦，谷米寶貝，從地而有，皆因汝力。

Moreover, your constant praising of the beneficial deeds of Earth Store Bodhisattva makes your meritorious virtues and spiritual penetrations hundreds of thousands of times those of ordinary earth spirits.

“If good men or good women in the future make offerings to this Bodhisattva, or recite the Sutra of the Past Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva and rely upon even a single aspect of it in their cultivation, you should use your own spiritual powers to protect them. Do not allow any disasters or unwelcome events even to be heard, much less undergone, by them.

　又常稱揚地藏菩薩利益之事。汝之功德，及以神通，百倍于常分地神。若未來世中，有善男子善女人，供養菩薩，及轉讀是經，但依地藏本願經一事修行者。汝以本神力而擁護之，勿令一切災害及不如意事，輒聞于耳，何況令受。

Not only will those people be protected by you, they will also be protected by the followers of Shakra, Brahma, and other gods. Why will they receive protection from sages and worthies such as those?

It will be due to their having beheld and worshipped an image of Earth Store Bodhisattva and from having recited this Sutra of his past vows. Such people will quite naturally be able to leave the sea of suffering and ultimately be certified to the bliss of Nirvana. For those reasons they receive great protection.”

　非但汝獨護是人故，以有釋梵眷屬，諸天眷屬，擁護是人。何故得如是聖賢擁護，皆由瞻禮地藏形像，及轉讀是本願經故，自然畢竟出離苦海，證涅槃樂。以是之故，得大擁護。』

CHAPTER XII Benefits Derived from Seeing and Hearing

見聞利益品第十二

At that time the World Honored One emitted hundreds of thousands of millions of great rays of light from the opening at the crown of his head. They were the White Ray, the Great White Ray, the Auspicious Ray, the Great Auspicious Ray, the Jade Ray, the Great Jade Ray, the Purple Ray, the Great Purple Ray, the Blue Ray, the Great Blue Ray, the Azure Ray, the Great Azure Ray, the Red Ray, the Great Red Ray,

 爾時世尊從頂門上放百千萬億大毫相光，所謂白毫相光、大白毫相光、瑞毫相光、大瑞毫相光、玉毫相光、大玉毫相光、紫毫相光、大紫毫相光、青毫相光、大青毫相光、碧毫相光、大碧毫相光、紅毫相光、大紅毫相光、

the Green Ray, the Great Green Ray, the Gold Ray, the Great Gold Ray, the Celebration Cloud Ray, the Great Celebration Cloud Ray, the Thousand-wheeled Ray, the Great Thousand-wheeled Ray, the Jeweled Wheel Ray, the Great Jeweled Wheel Ray, the Solar Disc Ray, the Great Solar Disc Ray, the Lunar Disc Ray, the Great Lunar Disc Ray, the Palace Ray, the Great Palace Ray, the Ocean Cloud Ray, and the Great Ocean Cloud Ray.

綠毫相光、大綠毫相光、金毫相光、大金毫相光、慶云毫相光、大慶云毫相光、千輪毫光、大千輪毫光、寶輪毫光、大寶輪毫光、日輪毫光、大日輪毫光、月輪毫光、大月輪毫光、宮殿毫光、大宮殿毫光、海云毫光、大海云毫光。

After emitting such rays of light from the opening at the crown of his head, he spoke in subtle and wonderful sounds to the great assembly of gods, dragons, the rest of the Eightfold Division, humans, non-humans and others, “Hear me today in the palace of the Trayastrimsha Heaven as I praise Earth Store Bodhisattva, telling of his beneficial deeds, of inconceivable events, of the matter of his transcendence to Sagehood, of the circumstances of his certification to the Tenth Ground, and of the situation leading to his being irreversible from Anuttarasamyaksambodhi.”

于頂門上放如是等毫相光已，出微妙音，告諸大眾，天龍八部、人非人等：『聽吾今日于忉利天宮，稱揚讚歎地藏菩薩于人天中，利益等事、不思議事、超聖因事、證十地事、畢竟不退阿耨多羅三藐三菩提事。』

As that was said, a Bodhisattva, Mahasattva named Contemplator of the World’s Sounds arose from his seat in the assembly, knelt on one knee, and with palms together said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva is replete with great compassion and pities beings who are suffering for their offenses.

In thousands of millions of worlds he creates thousands of millions of transformation bodies through the strength of his meritorious virtues and inconceivable awesome spiritual strength.

說是語時，會中有一菩薩摩訶薩，名觀世音，從座而起，胡跪合掌白佛言：『世尊，是地藏菩薩摩訶薩具大慈悲，憐愍罪苦眾生，于千萬億世界，化千萬億身。所有功德及不思議威神之力，

I have heard the World Honored One and the numberless of Buddhas of the Ten Directions praise Earth Store Bodhisattva with different mouths but in unison, saying that even if all the Buddhas of the past, present, and future were to speak of his meritorious qualities, they could never finish describing them.

我聞世尊與十方無量諸佛，異囗同音讚歎地藏菩薩云：「正使過去現在未來諸佛說其功德，猶不能盡。」

Upon hearing the World Honored One tell the great assembly that he now wants to praise Earth Store Bodhisattva’s beneficial deeds and so forth, I am beseeching the World Honored One to praise the inconceivable events pertaining to Earth Store Bodhisattva for the sake of beings of the present and future and to cause the gods, dragons, and the rest of the Eightfold Division to gaze in worship and attain blessings.”

向者又蒙世尊普告大眾：「欲稱揚地藏菩薩利益等事。」唯願世尊為現在未來一切眾生，稱揚地藏菩薩不思議事，令天龍八部，瞻禮獲福。』

The Buddha replied to the Bodhisattva Contemplator of the World’s Sounds, “You have great affinity with the Saha World. If gods, dragons, men, women, spirits, ghosts, or any other beings who are suffering for offenses within the Six Paths hear your name, see your image, behold you, or praise you, they will definitely become irreversible on the Unsurpassed Way.

佛告觀世音菩薩：『汝于娑婆世界有大因緣。若天若龍、若男若女、若神若鬼、乃至六道罪苦眾生，聞汝名者、見汝形者、戀慕汝者、讚歎汝者。是諸眾生，于無上道，必不退轉。

They will always be born among people and gods and there experience wonderful bliss. When the effects of their causes come to maturity, they will encounter Buddhas who will give them predictions.

You now are replete with great compassion and pity for beings, for gods, dragons, and the rest of the Eightfold Division. Listen as I discuss events involving the inconceivable benefits bestowed by Earth Store Bodhisattva. Listen attentively, I will describe them for you.”

　常生人天，具受妙樂。因果將熟，遇佛受記。汝今具大慈悲，憐愍眾生，及天龍八部，聽吾宣說地藏菩薩不思議利益之事。汝當諦聽，吾今說之。』

The Contemplator of the World’s Sounds said, “So be it. World Honored One, I will be pleased to hear.”

　觀世音言：『唯然，世尊，願樂欲聞。』

The Buddha told the Bodhisattva Contemplator of the World’s Sounds, “In worlds of the present and future, gods whose heavenly blessings are ending may be manifesting the Five Signs of Decay, indications that they may be about to fall into Evil Paths.

When those signs appear, if those gods, whether male or female, see Earth Store Bodhisattva’s image or hear his name and gaze at him or bow once to him, their heavenly blessings will thereby increase. They will experience great happiness and will never have to undergo retributions in the Three Evil Paths.

How much more will that be the case for those who upon seeing and hearing the Bodhisattva use incense, flowers, clothing, food, drink, jewels, and necklaces as gifts and offerings to him. The meritorious virtues, blessings, and benefits they gain will be limitless and unbounded.

　 佛告觀世音菩薩：『未來現在諸世界中，有天人受天福盡，有五衰相現，或有墮于惡道之者。如是天人，若男若女，當現相時，或見地藏菩薩形相、或聞地藏菩薩名，一瞻一禮。是諸天人，轉增天福，受大快樂，永不墮三惡道。何況見聞菩薩，以諸香華，衣服、飲食、寶貝、瓔珞，布施供養，所獲功德福利，無量無邊。』

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds, in the worlds in the present and future, when beings in the Six Paths are on the verge of death, if they can hear the name of Earth Store Bodhisattva, even the sound of it passing through their ears only once, such beings will never have to endure the sufferings of the Three Evil Paths again.

“How much more will that be the case if the parents and other relatives use the houses, wealth, property, jewels, and clothing of such people who are on the verge of death to commission the carving or painting of images of Earth Store Bodhisattva.

　 復次觀世音：『若未來現在諸世界中，六道眾生臨命終時，得聞地藏菩薩名，一聲歷耳根者。是諸眾生，永不歷三惡道苦。何況臨命終時，父母眷屬，將是命終人舍宅、財物、寶貝、衣服，塑畫地藏形像。

“If those sick people have not yet died, their relatives can try to help them see, hear, and understand that their houses, jewels, and so forth have been used for the carving or painting of images of Earth Store Bodhisattva.

If those people’s karmic retributions were such that they should have to undergo severe sickness, then with such merit they can quickly be cured and their lifespans prolonged.

　或使病人未終之時，眼耳見聞，知道眷屬將舍宅、寶貝等為其自身塑畫地藏菩薩形像。是人若受重病者，承斯功德，尋即除愈，壽命增益。

If those people’s retributions send them to the evil destinies at death due to their karma and obstacles, then with such merit they can, when their lives end, be born among people or gods and there enjoy extremely wonderful bliss. All their obstacles due to offenses will dissolve.

　是人若是業報命盡，應有一切罪障業障，合墮惡趣者。承斯功德，命終之後，即生人天，受勝妙樂，一切罪障，皆悉消滅。』

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, in the future men or women may have lost their fathers, mothers, brothers, or sisters while still an infant or as a child of three, or five, or under ten years of age.

As adults, such people may think about those parents and other relatives, not knowing into what paths or worlds or heavens they have been born.

Suppose such people are able to sculpt or paint images of Earth Store Bodhisattva or to gaze upon and worship him once or for one through seven days without retreating. Upon hearing his name and seeing his image they gaze in worship and make offerings.

　 復次觀世音菩薩：『若未來世，有男子女人，或乳哺時、或三歲、五歲、十歲以下，亡失父母，乃及亡失兄弟姐妹，是人年既長大，思憶父母及諸眷屬，不知落在何趣、生何世界、生何天中，是人若能塑畫地藏菩薩形像，乃至聞名，一瞻一禮，一日至七日，末退初心，聞名見形，瞻禮供養。

“If such people’s relatives had fallen into bad paths and were destined to remain there for many eons, those relatives will quickly gain release, be born among people or gods, and experience supremely wonderful bliss.

That will happen because of the meritorious virtue generated by their sons, daughters, brothers, or sisters who carved or painted images of Earth Store Bodhisattva and then gazed upon and worshipped them.

If such people’s relatives had already been born among people or gods on the strength of their own blessings and were already experiencing supremely wonderful bliss, then upon receiving that additional merit, their causes leading to Sagehood will increase, and they will experience limitless bliss.

　 是人眷屬，假因業故，墮惡趣者，計當劫數，承斯男女，兄弟姊妹，塑畫地藏形像，瞻禮功德，尋即解脫，生人天中，受勝妙樂。是人眷屬，如有福力，已生天，受勝妙樂者，即承斯功德，轉增聖因，受無量樂。』

“If such people are able to behold and worship images of Earth Store Bodhisattva single-mindedly during three weeks, reciting his name a full ten thousand times, the Bodhisattva may then manifest a boundless body and describe to those people the realms into which their relatives have been born. Or in their dreams the Bodhisattva may manifest great spiritual power and personally lead them to those worlds to see their relatives.

　 『是人更能三七日中，一心瞻禮地藏形像，念其名字，滿于萬遍。當得菩薩現無邊身，具告是人，眷屬生界。或于夢中，菩薩現大神力，親領是人，于諸世界，見諸眷屬。

“If they can further recite the Bodhisattva’s name one thousand times a day every day for one thousand days, the Bodhisattva will send the ghosts and earth spirits in the vicinity of such people to guard and protect them for their entire lives.

In this world their clothing and food will be abundant and they will have no suffering from sickness or other causes. No accidents will occur in their households, much less affect them personally. Finally, the Bodhisattva will rub the crowns of their heads and bestow predictions upon them.

　更能每日念菩薩名千遍，至于千日。是人當得菩薩遣所在土地鬼神，終身衛護，現世衣食豐溢，無諸集苦。乃至橫事不入其門，何況及身。是人畢竟的菩薩摩頂授記。』

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, good men or good women in the future may want to practice great compassion in rescuing and taking across beings. They may want to cultivate unsurpassed Bodhi, and may want to leave the Triple World.

Those people may see Earth Store Bodhisattva’s image, hear his name, and in their hearts take refuge with him. They may use incense, flowers, clothing, jewels, food and drink to make offerings while beholding and worshipping him. Such good people’s wishes will quickly be realized and they will never have any further obstructions.

　 復次觀世音菩薩：『若未來世有善男子善女人，欲發廣大慈心、救度一切眾生者、欲修無上菩提者、欲出離三界者。是諸人等，見地藏形像，及聞名者，至心皈依，或以香華、衣服、寶貝、飲食、供養瞻禮。是善男女等，所願速成，永無障礙。』

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, in the future, good men and women may want to fulfill hundreds of thousands of millions of vows and to succeed in as many undertakings in both the present and future.

They need only take refuge with, gaze upon, worship, make offerings to, and praise images of Earth Store Bodhisattva. In such a way, their vows and goals can all be realized.

　 復次觀世音：『若未來世，有善男子善女人，欲求現在未來百千萬億等願，百千萬億等事。但當皈依瞻禮、供養讚嘆，地藏行像。如事所願所求，悉皆成就。復願地藏菩薩具大慈悲，永擁護我。是人于睡夢中，即得菩薩摩頂受記。』

Moreover, they may hope that Earth Store Bodhisattva, being endowed with great compassion, will always protect them. In dreams the Bodhisattva will rub the crowns of their heads and bestow predictions upon them.

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, good men and women in the future may have high regard for the Great Vehicle Sutras and make the inconceivable resolve to read them and to recite them from memory.

They may then encounter a bright master who instructs them so that they may become familiar with the texts. But as soon as they learn them, they forget them. They may try for months or years and yet still be unable to read or recite them from memory.

　 復次觀世音菩薩：『若未來世，善男子善女人，于大乘經典，深生珍重，發不思議心，欲讀欲誦。縱遇明師教視令熟，旋得旋忘，動經年月，不能讀誦。

Because those good men and good women have karmic obstructions from past lives that have not yet been resolved, they are unable to read and memorize Sutras of the Great Vehicle.

“Upon hearing Earth Store Bodhisattva’s name or seeing his image, such people should, with deep respect and honesty, state their situation to the Bodhisattva.

In addition, they should use incense, flowers, clothing, food and drink, and other material objects they enjoy to make offerings to the Bodhisattva.

　是善男子等，有宿業障，未得消除，故于大乘經典，無讀誦性。如是之人，聞地藏菩薩名、見地藏菩薩像，具以本心恭敬陳白，更以香華、衣服、飲食、一切玩具，供養菩薩。

They should place a bowl of pure water before the Bodhisattva for one day and one night.

Afterwards, placing their palms together, they should state their request and then, while facing south, prepare to drink the water. As the water is about to enter their mouths they should be particularly sincere and solemn.

After drinking the water they should abstain from the five pungent plants, wine, meat, improper sexual activity, false speech, and all killing and harming for one to three weeks.

　以淨水一盞，經一日一夜安菩薩前，然後合掌請服，回首向南。臨入囗時，至心鄭重，服水既畢，慎五辛酒肉，邪婬妄語，及諸殺害，一七日或三七日。

“In dreams those good men and good women may then see Earth Store Bodhisattva manifesting a boundless body and anointing the crowns of their heads with water.

When they awaken they may be endowed with keen intelligence.

Upon hearing this Sutra but one time, they will eternally remember it and never forget or lose a single sentence or verse.

　是善男子善女人，于睡夢中，具見地藏菩薩現無邊身，于是人處，授灌頂水。其人夢覺，即獲聰明，應是經典，一歷耳根，即當永記，更不忘失一句一偈。』

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, in the future there may be people whose food and clothing are insufficient, who find their efforts thwarted, who endure much sickness or misfortune, whose families are not peaceful, whose relatives are scattered, who are accident prone, or who are often startled in their sleep by dreams.

Upon hearing Earth Store’s name and seeing his image, such people should recite his name a full ten thousand times with extreme sincerity and respect. Those inauspicious circumstances will gradually disappear, and they will gain peace and happiness. Their food and clothing will be abundant and even in their dreams they will be peaceful and happy.

　 復次觀世音菩薩：『若未來世，有諸人等，衣食不足，求者乖願、或多疾病、或多凶衰、家宅不安、眷屬分散、或諸橫事，多來忤身、睡夢之間，多有驚怖。如是人等，聞地藏名、見地藏形，至心恭敬，念滿萬遍。是諸惡不如意事，漸漸消滅，即得安樂、衣食豐溢，乃至睡夢中，悉皆安樂。』

“Moreover, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, in the future, good men or good women may have to enter mountain forests, cross over rivers, seas, or other large bodies of water, or take dangerous routes either for the sake of earning their own livelihood, or for public or personal affairs, or matters of life and death, or other urgent business.

Such people should first recite the name of Earth Store Bodhisattva a full ten thousand times. The ghosts and spirits of the lands they pass through will then guard and protect them in their walking, standing, sitting, and lying down.

The peace and happiness of those people will constantly be preserved, so that even if they encounter tigers, wolves, lions, or any other harmful or poisonous creatures, they will not be harmed.”

復次觀世音菩薩：『若未來世，有善男子善女人，或因治生、或因公私、或因生死、或因急事入山林中、過渡河海、乃及大水、或經險道。是人先當念地藏菩薩名萬遍，所過土地，鬼神衛護，行住坐臥，永保安樂。乃至逢于虎狼獅子，一切毒害，不能損之。』

The Buddha told the Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, “Earth Store Bodhisattva has great affinities with beings in Jambudvipa. Hundreds of thousands of eons would not be time enough to describe the benefits derived by beings who see this Bodhisattva and hear his name.

“Therefore, Contemplator of the World’s Sounds Bodhisattva, you should use your spiritual powers to propagate this Sutra, thus enabling beings in the Saha World to receive peace and happiness always, throughout hundreds of thousands of eons.”

佛告觀世音菩薩：是地藏菩薩，于閻浮提有大因緣，若說于諸眾生見聞利益等事，百千劫中，說不能盡。是故觀世音，汝以神力流布是經，令娑婆世界眾生，百千萬劫永受安樂。

At that time the World Honored One spoke verses, saying:

I observe that Earth Store’s awesome spiritual strength, Could not be fully described even in Ganges sands’ eons. Seeing, hearing, beholding and bowing to him even once Benefits people and gods in endless numbers of ways.

吾觀地藏威神力， 恆河沙劫難說盡， 見聞瞻禮一念間， 利益天人無量事。

Men and women, gods or dragons who are near the end Of their rewards and on the verge of falling into Evil Paths, Can, by sincerely taking refuge with this Great Being, Have their lifespans lengthened; their offenses dissolved.

若男若女若龍神， 報盡應當墮惡道。 至心皈依大士身， 壽命轉增除罪障。

Sometimes youngsters lose their kind and loving parents And do not know what paths they took. Quite often lost brothers, sisters, and other kin Were never known by their surviving relatives.

少失父母恩愛者， 未知魂神在何趣， 兄弟姊妹及諸親， 生長以來皆不識。

If such people sculpt or paint this Bodhisattva’s image And then beseech, behold and bow to him intently, And if they hold his name in mind a full three weeks The Bodhisattva may display a boundless body.

 或塑或畫大士身， 悲戀瞻禮不暫舍， 三七日中念其名， 菩薩當現無邊體， 示其眷屬所生界， 縱墮惡趣尋出離。

He may reveal the realms where relatives were born And even quickly free those in bad destinies. If those praying can sustain their initial resolve, He may rub their heads and predict their Sagehood.

若能不退是初心， 即獲摩頂受聖記。

Since those determined to cultivate unsurpassed Bodhi And escape the suffering here in the Triple World, Have already discovered their great compassionate hearts, They should first behold and bow to this Great Being. Then every vow they make will soon be fulfilled And no karmic obstructions will ever hinder or stop them.

 欲修無上菩提者， 乃至出離三界苦。 是人既發大悲心， 先當瞻禮大士像， 一切諸願速成就， 永無業障能遮止。

Some people may resolve to read the sutra texts Hoping to help those confused to reach the other shore. Although the vows they make are quite remarkable, Try as they may, they cannot remember what they read.

有人發心念經典， 欲度群迷超彼案， 雖立斯願不思議， 旋讀旋忘多廢失，

Because of their karmic obstructions and delusions, Those people cannot memorize the Mahayana sutras. But they can offer scents and flowers to Earth Store. They can give him clothing, food, and other things they like.

斯人有業障惑故， &nbs, p; 于大乘經不能記。 供養地藏以香華， 衣服飲食諸玩具，

They can place pure water on an altar to the Bodhisattva, And leave it there a day and night before they drink it. With diligent intent they should abstain from pungent plants, Alcohol, meat, improper sex and false speech.

 以淨水安大士前， 一日一夜求服之， 發殷重心慎五辛， 酒肉邪淫及妄語，

For three weeks they should not kill or harm any creature, While being mindful of the name of that Great Being. Then suddenly in a dream their vision may become boundless. Awakening, they may discover that they now have keen hearing.

From then on, once they hear the teachings of the sutras, They will never forget them throughout thousands of lives. How inconceivable this Bodhisattva is In helping people like that gain such wisdom!

 三七日內勿殺害， 至心思念大士名， 即于夢中見無邊， 覺來便得利耳根， 應是經教歷耳聞， 千萬生中永不忘。 以是大士不思議， 能使病人獲此慧。

Beings may be impoverished or plagued with disease, Their homes may be troubled; their relatives scattered. They may find no peace even in sleep or dreams. Their efforts may be thwarted so that nothing goes their way.

But if they earnestly behold and bow to Earth Store’s image All those evil situations will simply disappear. And even their dreams will be totally peaceful. Food and clothes will be ample; spirits and ghosts protective.

貧窮眾生及疾病， 家宅凶衰眷屬離， 睡夢之中悉不安， 求者乖違無稱遂。 至心瞻禮地藏像， 一切惡事皆消滅， 至于夢中盡得安， 衣食豐饒神鬼護。

People may need to enter mountain forests, cross great seas, Or go among venomous or evil birds and beasts, evil people, Evil spirits, evil ghosts, and even evil winds Or put themselves in other distressing situations.

 欲入山林及渡海， 毒惡禽獸及惡人， 惡神惡鬼並惡風， 一切諸難諸苦惱。

They need only gaze in worship and make offerings To an image of the Great Being, Earth Store Bodhisattva. In response, all the evils in those mountain forests And on those vast seas will simply disappear.

 但當瞻禮及供養， 地藏菩薩大士像， 如是山林大海中， 應是諸惡皆消滅。

Contemplator of Sounds, listen well to what I say. Earth Store Bodhisattva is an unending wonder! Hundreds of thousands of eons is time too brief To describe fully the powers of this Great Being.

觀音至心聽吾說， 地藏無盡不思議， 百千萬劫說不周， 廣宣大士如是力。

If people can but hear the name “Earth Store,” And when seeing his image revere him and bow in worship, And offer incense, flowers, clothing, food, and drink, Those gifts will bring them hundreds of thousands of joys.

地藏名字若人聞， 乃至見像瞻禮者， 香華一服飲食奉， 供養百千受妙樂。

If they can dedicate such merit to the Dharma Realm, They will become Buddhas, transcending birth and death. Contemplator of Sounds, know this well, And tell everyone everywhere in lands like Ganges sands.”

若能以此回法界， 畢竟成佛超生死。 是故觀音汝當知， 普告恒沙諸國土。

CHAPTER XIII The Entrustment of People and Gods

 囑累人天品第十三

At that time the World Honored One extended his gold-colored arm, and again rubbed the crown of the head of Earth Store Bodhisattva while saying, “Earth Store, Earth Store, your spiritual powers, compassion, wisdom, and eloquence are inconceivable.

Even if all the Buddhas of the Ten Directions were to proclaim their praise of your inconceivable deeds, they could not finish in thousands eons.

　爾時世尊舉金色臂，又摩地藏菩薩模訶薩頂，而作是言：『地藏地藏，汝之神力不可思議、汝之慈悲不可思議、汝之智慧不可思議、汝之辯才不可思議，正使十方諸佛讚嘆宣說乳之不可思議事，千萬劫中不能得盡。』

“Earth Store, Earth Store, remember this entrustment that I am again making here in the Trayastrimsha Heaven in this great assembly of hundreds of thousands of millions of indescribably many Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, gods, dragons, and the rest of the Eightfold Division.

I again entrust to you the gods, people, and others who are still in the burning house and have not yet left the Triple World.

Do not allow those beings to fall into the evil destinies even for a single day and night, much less fall into the Fivefold Relentless Hell or the Avichi Hell, where they would have to pass through thousands of millions of eons with no chance of escape.

　 『地藏地藏，記吾今日在忉利天中，于百千萬億不可說不可說一切諸佛菩薩，天龍八部，大會之中，再以人天諸眾生等，未出三界，在火宅中者，付囑于汝。無令是諸眾生，墮惡趣中，一日一夜，何況更落五無間及阿鼻地獄，動經千萬億劫，無有出期。』

“Earth Store, the beings of southern Jambudvipa have irresolute wills and natures. They habitually do many evil deeds. Even if they resolve to do good, they soon renounce that resolve. If they encounter evil conditions, they tend to become increasingly involved in them.

For those reasons I reduplicate hundreds of thousands of millions of bodies to transform beings, take them across, and liberate them, all in accord with their own fundamental natures.

　 『地藏，是南閻浮提眾生，志性無定，習惡者多。縱發善心，須臾即退。若遇惡緣，念念增長。以是之故，吾分是形，百千萬億化度，隨其根性而度脫之。』

“Earth Store, I now earnestly entrust the multitudes of gods and people to you.

If in the future among gods and people there are good men or good women who plant a few good roots in the Buddhadharma, be they as few as a strand of hair, a mote of dust, a grain of sand, or a drop of water, then you should use your powers in the Way to protect them so that they gradually cultivate the Unsurpassed Way and do not get lost or retreat from it.

“Moreover, Earth Store, in the future, gods or people, according to the responses of their karmic retributions, may be due to fall into the evil destinies. They may be on the brink of falling or may already be at the very gates to those paths.

　『地藏，吾今殷勤，以天人眾，付囑于汝。未來世中，若天若人，隨業報應，落在惡趣。臨墮惡趣中，或至門首，

But if they can recite the name of one Buddha or Bodhisattva or a single sentence or verse of a Great Vehicle Sutra, then you should use your spiritual powers to rescue them with expedient means.

Display a boundless body in the places where they are, smash the hells, and lead them to be born in the heavens and to experience supremely wonderful bliss.”

　 是諸眾生，若能念得一佛名，一菩薩名，一句一偈大乘經典。是諸眾生，汝以神力，方便救拔，于是人所，現無邊身，為碎地獄，遣令生天，受勝妙樂。』

At that time the World Honored One spoke in verse, saying

I am entrusting to your care the multitudes Of gods and people both now and in the future. Use great spiritual powers and expedients to save them. Do not allow them to fall into the evil destinies.

　 爾時世尊而說偈言：現在未來天人眾， 吾今殷勤付囑汝， 以大神通方便度， 勿令墮在諸惡趣。

At that time Earth Store Bodhisattva, Mahasattva, knelt on one knee, placed his palms together, and said to the Buddha, “World Honored One, I beg the World Honored One not to be concerned.

In the future if good men and women have a single thought of respect toward the Buddhadharma, I shall use hundreds of thousands of expedients to take them across and free them. They will quickly be liberated from birth and death.

　 爾時地藏菩薩摩訶薩胡跪合掌白佛言：『世尊，唯願世尊不以為慮。未來世中，若有善男子善女人，于佛法中，一念恭敬，我亦百千方便，度脫是人，于生死中速得解脫。

How much more will that be the case for those who, having heard about all these good matters, are inspired to cultivate. They will naturally become irreversible from the Unsurpassed Way.”

 何況聞諸善事，念念修行，自然于無上道永不退轉。』

After he finished speaking, a Bodhisattva named Empty Space Treasury, who was in the assembly, spoke to the Buddha, “World Honored One, I personally have come to the Trayastrimsha Heaven and have heard the Thus Come One praise Earth Store Bodhisattva’s awesome spiritual strength, saying that it is inconceivable.

　 說是語時，會中有一菩薩，名虛空藏，白佛言：『世尊，我自忉利天，聞于如來讚歎地藏菩薩，威神勢力，不可思議。

If in the future, good men, good women, gods, and dragons hear this Sutra and the name of Earth Store Bodhisattva and if they behold and bow to his image, how many kinds of blessings and benefits will they obtain?

Please, World Honored One, say a few words about this for the sake of beings of the present and future.”

　未來世中，若有善男子善女人，乃及一切天龍，聞此經典及地藏菩薩名字，或瞻禮形像，得幾種福利，唯願世尊，為未來現在一切眾等，略而說之。』

The Buddha told Empty Space Treasury Bodhisattva, “Listen attentively, listen attentively, I shall enumerate them and describe them to you.

“Good men or women in the future may see images of Earth Store Bodhisattva and hear this Sutra or read or recite it. They may use incense, flowers, food and drink, clothing, and gems to give gifts and make offerings. They may praise, behold and bow to him. Such beings will benefit in twenty-eight ways:

　 佛告虛空藏菩薩：『諦聽諦聽，吾當為汝分別說之。若未來世，有善男子善女人，見地藏形像，及聞此經，乃至讀誦，香華飲食，衣服珍寶，布施供養，讚嘆瞻禮者，得二十八種利益：

First, they will be protected by gods and dragons. Second, their good roots will increase daily. Third, they will amass supreme causes pertaining to Sagehood. Fourth, they will not retreat from Bodhi. Fifth, their clothing and food will be abundant. Sixth, they will never be infected by epidemics. Seventh, they will never be in disasters of fire and water.

一者、天龍護念， 二者、善果日增， 三者、集聖上因， 四者、菩提不退， 五者、衣食豐足， 六者、疾疫不臨， 七者、離水火災，

Eighth, they will never be threatened by thieves. Ninth, they will be respected by all who see them. Tenth, they will be aided by ghosts and spirits. Eleventh, women who want to can be reborn as men. Twelfth, women who want to can be daughters of leaders of nations and officials. Thirteenth, they will have an upright and proper appearance. Fourteenth, they will often be born in the heavens.

　 八者、無盜賊惡， 九者、人見欽敬， 十者、神鬼助持， 十一者、女轉男生， 十二者、為王臣女， 十三者、端正相好， 十四者、多生天上，

Fifteenth, they may be emperors or leaders of nations. Sixteenth, they will have the wisdom to know past lives. Seventeenth, they will attain whatever they seek. Eighteenth, their families will be happy. Nineteenth, they will never undergo any disasters. Twentieth, they will leave the bad karmic paths forever. Twenty-first, they will always arrive at their destination.

　十五者、或為帝王， 十六者、宿智命通， 十七者、有求皆從， 十八者、眷屬歡樂， 十九者、諸橫消滅， 二十者、業道永除， 二十一者、去處盡通，

Twenty-second, their dreams will be peaceful and happy. Twenty-third, their deceased relatives will leave suffering behind. Twenty-fourth, they will enjoy blessings earned in previous lives. Twenty-fifth, they will be praised by sages. Twenty-sixth, they will be intelligent and have keen faculties. Twenty-seventh, they will be magnanimous and empathic. Twenty-eighth, they will ultimately realize Buddhahood.

　 二十二者、夜夢安樂， 二十三者、先亡離苦， 二十四者、宿福受生， 二十五者、諸聖讚嘆， 二十六者、聰明利根， 二十七者、饒慈愍心， 二十八者、畢竟成佛。』

“Moreover, Empty Space Treasury Bodhisattva, if gods, dragons, or spirits of the present or future hear Earth Store’s name, bow to Earth Store’s image, or hear of Earth Store’s past vows and the events of his practices, and then praise him, behold, and bow to him, they will benefit in seven ways:

First, they will quickly transcend to levels of Sagehood. Second, their evil karma will dissolve. Third, all Buddhas will protect and be near them. Fourth, they will not retreat from Bodhi. Fifth, their inherent powers will increase. Sixth, they will know past lives. Seventh, they will ultimately realize Buddhahood.”

　 『虛空藏菩薩，若現在未來，天龍鬼神，聞地藏名，禮地藏形，或聞地藏本願事行，讚嘆瞻禮，得七種利益：

一者、速超聖地， 二者、惡業消滅， 三者、諸佛臨護， 四者、菩提不退， 五者、增長本力， 六者、宿命接通， 七者、畢竟成佛。』

At that time, all the indescribable, indescribable, numbers of Buddhas, Thus Come Ones who had come from the Ten Directions, and Great Bodhisattvas, gods, dragons and the rest of the Eightfold Division, having heard Shakyamuni Buddha’s praise of Earth Store Bodhisattva’s great awesome spiritual powers, praised this unprecedented event.

　 爾時，十方三世一切諸來，不可說不可說諸佛如來，及大菩薩天龍八部，聞釋迦牟尼佛，稱揚讚歎地藏菩薩，大威神力，不可思議，歎未曾有。

Following that, incense, flowers, heavenly garments, and pearl necklaces rained down in the Trayastrimsha Heaven as offerings to Shakyamuni Buddha and Earth Store Bodhisattva, and everyone in the assembly joined together in beholding and making obeisance to them. Then they placed their palms together and withdrew.

是時，忉利天，雨無量香華，天衣珠瓔，供養釋迦牟尼佛及地藏菩薩已，一切眾會，俱復瞻禮，合掌而退。