Buddhist Wisdom for the Long Night

At that moment, other Tathāgatas (enlightened beings) who had come from countless worlds were present. These were creations of Lord Sākyamuni, and they were teaching the law to beings in other realms. Seated around Lord Sākyamuni on magnificent jewel thrones beneath jeweled trees in every direction, they too were filled with wonder at the sight…

At that moment, a thought arose in the mind of the Bodhisattva Mahāsattva Maitreya, as well as in the minds of the countless Bodhisattvas, as numerous as the sands of the river Ganges: “We have never before seen or heard of such an immense gathering of Bodhisattvas. Where did this multitude come from, those who…

From distant realms, a massive gathering of great Bodhisattvas arrived, each embodying the virtue of enlightenment. Eight groups, each as numerous as the sands of the Ganges River, stood up from the assembly. With hands joined in reverence, they addressed the Lord: “Should you allow us, O Lord, we too wish to carry forth your…

To shed further light on this subject, the Enlightened One spoke the following verses on that occasion: Displaying charity’s might with care,Compassion’s embrace for all to share,The Sugatas affirm with gentle stare,This exalted Sūtra, rich and rare. Laymen, friars, seekers at time’s end,Embrace charity’s strength, do not contend,Lest the law’s rejection they portend,Its wisdom’s embrace…

The Lord said this, and then the Sugata, the Master, continued with the following: The wise one, the preacher, with intent so pure,Renounces falsehood, pride, envy for sure,Calumny and malice, they set aside,On a path of truth and humility, they abide. No disparaging words do they ever speak,No disputes on belief, no fault to seek,“You…

Again, Mañjuśrī, the Great Spiritual Seeker (Bodhisattva Mahāsattva) who lives after the passing away of the Enlightened One (Tathāgata) at the end of time when the true teachings are in decline, is characterized by a lack of envy, dishonesty, or deceit. The one who upholds this Sūtra does not speak ill of other spiritual seekers…

At that moment, the Lord recited the following verses: The wise man, always at ease,Preaches the law with graceful peace,Seated high on a pulpit prepared,On a spot clean, pretty, and declared. Adorned in a robe of red, so fine,Dyed with colors, a black woolen line,A long undergarment, a dress so neat,His appearance is humble, yet…