Final Stages to Translating a Buddhist Sacred Text from Chinese to English

 

Sample translation completed below
and at the Tripitaka list https://thecompassionnetwork.org/tripitaka-lists/

 

The Buddha Speaks the Sutra on Adorned Commitment to Enlightenment[i]

Translated by Tripitaka Master Kumarajiva of Latter Qin

 

Thus I have heard.

At one time, the Buddha lived at Vulture Peak in the city of Rajagriha, with a community of 1,200 great monks and 10,000 enlightening beings including 16 orthodox practitioners who cultivated the way Manjushuri Bodhisattva did in the past. The names of these practitioners are: Wise Light Bodhisattva, Dharma Light Bodhisattva, Moonlight Bodhisattva, Sunlight Bodhisattva, Boundless Lights Bodhisattva, Bhadrapala, and others. Furthermore, 60 great Bodhisattvas of the Worthy aeon who practiced the way Maitreya Bodhisattva did in the past were in this community. At that time, the World Honored One and an infinitely large audience surrounded the Buddha as he spoke the Dharma.

At that time, a Bodhisattva in the congregation named Pondering Limitless Principles stood up, straightened his robes with the right shoulder uncovered, and dropped to the ground on his right knee. Dispersing various jeweled flowers on the Buddha, the enlightening being then made a request with his palms together, “World Honored One! I have some questions. I hope the World Honored One will sympathize with me and hear me out.”

The Buddha told Bodhisattva Pondering Limitless Principles, “You may raise your questions.”

Bodhisattva Pondering Limitless Principles posed these questions to the Buddha, “World Honored One, how do enlightening beings cultivate their commitment to enlightenment? And what does being committed to enlightenment mean?”

The Buddha answered Bodhisattva Pondering Limitless Principles, “Enlightening beings who strengthen their commitment to enlightenment must do so by helping beings become committed to enlightenment. This state of mind is neither form nor perspective; such a Dharma is unattainable. Why? It is because beings are empty.”

Bodhisattva Pondering Limitless Principles asked the Buddha, “World Honored One, how should enlightening beings cultivate the outward manifestation of such a profound Dharma?”

The Buddha replied to Bodhisattva Pondering Limitless Principles, “Good man, commitment to enlightenment is neither existent nor created; it is apart from words. Enlightenment is the mind; the mind is beings. If you understand this, you are an enlightening being whose commitment to enlightenment is growing. Enlightenment is not a mindstate on the past, present, or future; beings are also not of the past, present, or future. Someone named an enlightening being understands this. Since there is nothing to attain indeed, attainment occurs when you attain nothing. Non-attainment of all Dharmas is called enlightenment attained. For the sake of beings who are just starting to practice, we name enlightenment. Just as sages[ii] become authenticated for their state realize there is nothing to attain with the Dharma; we discuss enlightenment using a secular language even though enlightenment cannot be attained really. Those with nothing to attain from any Dharma have reached enlightenment. Moreover, there is no mind or a creator of the mind; there is no enlightenment or a creator of enlightenment; there are no beings or a creator of beings; there are no Sound Hearers[iii] or those who become Sound Hearers; there are no Pratyekabuddhas[iv] or those who become Pratyekabuddhas; there are no enlightening beings or those who become enlightening beings; there are no Buddhas or those who realize Buddhahood; there are no conditional actions or the creation of conditional actions; and there are no unconditional actions or the creation of unconditional actions. All who have attained, now attain, and will attain any of the above attain the unattainable.”

The Buddha proclaimed, “Good men, listen, listen. Think this through. I will now say what I should say.

Enlightening beings commit to enlightenment through ten means. What are the ten? First, attain the core to everything that is good, just as an array of gems adorn Mt. Sumeru. Second, practice perfecting generosity, just as the wide earth grows and nurtures all goodness. Third, practice perfecting ethical behavior. Just as a lion king can tame all beasts metaphorically instructs that you must be able to quell deviant views. Fourth, practice perfecting patience. Just as Narayana the warrior god is indestructibly strong metaphorically instructs that you must be able to let go of afflictions. Fifth, practice perfecting diligence. Do everything that is good now, just as prescribed in the metaphor about celestial flowers speaking the Dharma according to others’ wishes. Sixth, practice perfecting meditation, just as described in the metaphor about how sunshine tears away all darkness. Seventh, practice perfecting wisdom so that all your wishes may be granted, just as portrayed in the metaphor about merchants who manage to avoid various difficulties. Eighth, practice perfecting skillful means to decimate all obstructions, just as represented in the metaphor about the moon being filled to the brim with unsullied purity. Ninth, fulfill your past vows of roaming pure Buddhalands and listening joyously to profound, wondrous Dharma so that you overcome destitution. Tenth, just as the metaphor about emptiness bursts forth with inexhaustible wisdom symbolically teaches, develop All Modes of Wisdom[v] that wheel-turning kings achieve. Good men, those who can bring forth these ten mindstates are considered enlightening beings, great enlightening beings, beings who act unconditionally, beings free from obstructions, beings already liberated, or inconceivable beings. And yet with regard to all these mindstates, there is no mind, no enlightenment.

Furthermore, good men, there are ten additional meditative states that protect your commitment toward enlightenment. What are the ten? First, the meditative state about Dharma jewels protects you. Second, the meditative state based on stability protects you. Third, the meditative state immersed in stillness protects you. Fourth, the meditative state on persistence protects you. Fifth, the meditative state about Dharma flowers protects you. Sixth, the meditative state about sunlight protects you. Seventh, the meditative state about all doctrines protects you. Eighth, the meditative state lit by wisdom’s illumination protects you. Ninth, the meditative state about the presence of all Buddhas protects you. Tenth, the meditative state based on the Shurangama from atop the Buddha’s head protects you.

Furthermore, good men! In their first stage, enlightening beings can see hidden treasures that fill lands in three thousand Buddhalands throughout billions and trillions of near-infinite time periods[vi]. At the second stage, they can see flat plains in lands throughout three thousand Buddhalands decorated with various luxurious and exquisite gems. At the third stage, enlightening beings can see powerful combatants defeat their enemies. At the fourth stage, they can see a variety of wind cyclones from all directions arrive to cover the earth with an array of wonderful florals. At the fifth stage, they can see a group of female entertainers bedecked with all kinds of jeweled garlands including heavenly tiaras of blue lotuses, gardenias, summer rain flowers, and atimuktata flowers that beautify. At the sixth stage, enlightening beings can see various pools constructed with gemstones filled to the brim with the water of Eight Virtues[vii] and paths cobbled with seven precious gems circling those pools paved with golden sand at the bottom. They see themselves frolicking and enjoying themselves in those pools. At the seventh stage, enlightening beings see hell realms to the left and right of them, but they walk right on through without experiencing any hardship. At the eighth stage, they see on their shoulders majestic lion kings with banners hovering overhead defeat all beasts with stupendous might. At the ninth stage, they see wheel-turning sage kings, hundreds and thousands of high-ranking ministers and elite members of the laity around them to transform infinite beings with the orthodox Dharma. Enlightening beings see all kinds of valuable canopies in the air draping over everyone. At the tenth stage, enlightening beings see Buddhas in physical form radiating a bright golden light. Buddhas speak the Dharma with everyone around them. Good men, these are the ten corresponding acts of goodness for enlightening beings to realize each of the Ten Stages[viii] by their power of meditative absorption.

Furthermore, good men! Enlightening beings in their first stage develop victoriously advancing Dharanis[ix] At the second stage, they develop indestructible Dharanis. At the third stage, they develop stable Dharanis. At the fourth stage, they develop difficult to ruin Dharanis. At the fifth stage, they develop various ornaments to flowers of virtue Dharanis. At the sixth stage, they develop Dharanis of rounded, bright wisdom. At the seventh stage, they develop beneficial Dharanis. At the eighth stage, they develop undiscriminating Dharanis so that 84,000 Dharanis manifest simultaneously. At the ninth stage, enlightening beings become leaders by developing boundless Dharanis, whereby Dharanis throughout 6.2 billion near-infinite time periods manifest simultaneously. At the tenth stage, they become leaders by developing endless Dharanis, whereby Dharanis equal to the number of sand grains throughout millions and billions of Ganges Rivers manifest simultaneously.

Furthermore, good men, enlightening beings in their first stage practice perfecting generosity, ethics during their second stage, patience for their third stage, diligence in their fourth stage, meditation in their fifth stage, wisdom in their sixth stage, skillful means in their seventh stage, knowledge in their eighth stage, fulfilling wishes of beings in their ninth stage, and completing all vows in their tenth stage. These are the perfections that enlightening beings achieve at each stage.

Furthermore, good men, great enlightening beings practice perfecting generosity in ten ways. What are their ten bases? One, based on the root of faith. Two, based on the root of meditative absorption. Three, based on great kindness. Fourth, based on great compassion. Fifth, based on what delights the self. Sixth, based on what delights others. Seventh, based on all vows made. Eighth, based on support for all beings. Ninth, based on the Four Ways to Appeal[x] to beings. Tenth, based on intimacy with all Buddhadharmas. These are the ten types of Dharma that perfect generosity.

Furthermore, good men, great enlightening beings practice perfecting ethics in ten ways. What are their ten bases? One, based on separation from the Eight Difficulties[xi]. Two, based on the realization of Buddhas’ merits. Three, based on departure from the stage of Sound Hearers. Fourth, based on parting from the stage of Pratyekabuddhas. Fifth, based on cleanliness of body. Sixth, based on cleanliness of speech. Seventh, based on cleanliness of thought. Eighth, based on an adorned mind. Ninth, based on an end to affinities for the hell realm. Tenth, based on prayers answered. These are the ten types of Dharma that perfect ethics.

Furthermore, good men, great enlightening beings practice perfecting patience in ten ways. What are their ten bases? One, based on the power of endurance. Two, based on enthusiasm. Three, based on help that brings beings to success. Fourth, based on the ability to withstand the most in-depth Dharma. Fifth, based on the absence of demarcation between oneself and others. Sixth, based on an end to anger. Seventh, based on unconcern about one’s body. Eighth, based on unconcern about one’s life. Ninth, based on the renunciation of delusion. Tenth, based on the perspective that Dharma bodies are equal. These are the ten types of Dharma that perfect patience.

Furthermore, good men, great enlightening beings practice perfecting diligence in ten ways. What are their ten bases? One, based on the root of vigor. Two, based on the power of vigilance. Three, based on proper effort. Fourth, based on right mindfulness. Fifth, based on physical help to beings. Sixth, based on speech that occurs according to the mind. Seventh, based on the absence of withdrawing from practice. Eighth, based on an end to laziness. Ninth, based on the defeat of mean-spirited teachers. Tenth, based on the accumulation of all wisdom. These are the ten types of Dharma that perfect diligence.

Furthermore, good men, great enlightening beings practice perfecting meditation in ten ways. What are their ten bases? One, based on the root of concentration. Two, based on the power of focus. Three, based on a state equal to a state of stillness. Fourth, based on a playfulness about various meditation states. Fifth, based on meditative absorption. Sixth, based on retribution from meditative absorption. Seventh, based on the protection of every goodness. Eighth, based on an end to resentment regarding afflictions. Ninth, based on renunciation grounded in orthodox Dharma. Tenth, based on stilled aggregates. These are the ten types of Dharma that perfect meditation.

Furthermore, good men, great enlightening beings practice perfecting wisdom in ten ways. What are their ten bases? One, based on the root of wisdom. Two, based on the power of wisdom. Three, based on orthodox perspectives. Fourth, based on right mindfulness. Fifth, based on skillful means with aggregates. Sixth, based on differentiating realms. Seventh, based on noble truths. Eighth, based on unhindered wisdom. Ninth, based on circumnavigation around unorthodox perspectives. Tenth, based on the practice of being patient with no more Dharma. These are the ten types of Dharma that perfect wisdom.

Furthermore, good men, great enlightening beings practice perfecting skillful means in ten ways. What are their ten bases? One, based on actions similar to beings. Two, based on support for beings. Three, based on great compassion. Fourth, based on indefatigability. Fifth, based on a departure from the actions of Sound Hearers and Pratyekabuddhas. Sixth, based on landing onto the other shore of perfection. Seventh, based on accurate measures of individual vessels. Eighth, based on help founded on good intentions. Ninth, based on entry onto the stage of no retreat. Tenth, based on the taming of all demons. These are the ten types of Dharma that perfect skillful means.

Furthermore, good men, what does reaching the shore of perfection mean? Advancing victoriously and fully is one definition of perfection. Realizing foremost wisdom is one definition of perfection. Being away from conditional actions or unconditional actions is one definition of perfection. Being cognizant of the major disease that is the cycle of birth and death is one definition of perfection. Being able to know what you did not use to realize awakening is one definition of perfection. Being able to demonstrate extensively the boundlessness of the Dharma treasury is one definition of perfection. Excelling in eliminating barricades is one definition of perfection. Expecting no reward from giving, being ethical, being patient, being diligent, meditating, being wise, employing skillful means etc. is one definition of perfection. Understanding all realms of beings is one definition of perfection. Being wholly patient with no Dharma coming into being is one definition of perfection. Reaching the state of never-to-retreat is one definition of perfection. Purifying Buddhalands is one definition of perfection. Helping beings succeed is one definition of perfection. Awakening to comprehensive wisdom at one’s place of practice is one definition of perfection. Subduing all demons is one definition of perfection. Realizing all Buddhas’ All Modes of Wisdom is one definition of perfection. Denigrating various heretical perspectives is one definition of perfection. Realizing and consummating the Ten Powers[xii], the Four Fearlessnesses[xiii], and the 18 Unique Means[xiv] is one definition of perfection. Bringing to fruition the Dharma wheel of twelve types of conduct[xv] is one definition of perfection.

As such, good men, what it means by perfection is infinitely profound, I have only spoken for you in brief.”

At that time, a heavenly prince in the congregation named Light at the Speed of a Lion stood up, put his palms together and informed the Buddha, “Excellent, World Honored One, what you just said is deep and rare. The merits of all Buddhas pervade all like sweet dew.”

The Buddha acknowledged the heavenly prince, “Excellent, excellent. Just as you say, were there monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen, gods, dragons, yakshas, gandharvas, titans, garuda birds, kinnaras, giant pythons[xvi], humans, non-humans, and great enlightening beings to encounter this Sutra, they will never retreat from supreme enlightenment.

Why? Heavenly prince, the good men and good women who encounter this Sutra are able to do so only because of their past merits; people with little merit can hardly encounter this Sutra. For those who hear, read and recite, copy out, or write about this Sutra, even momentarily, will see all Buddhas throughout time upon releasing their bodies. Upon seeing all Buddhas, they will be able to turn the wonderful Dharma wheel where the Buddhas are. They will acquire the boundless imprint of Dharani, the Dharani to understanding all mental activities of beings, the Dharani of universal sunshine, the Dharani of immaculate purity, the Dharani of being unaffected as a result of having attained all Dharmas, the Dharani of indestructible diamond, the Dharani of proclaiming the most profound treasury of doctrines, the Dharani of fluency in all beings’ languages, the Dharani of the imprint of infinite playfulness in unadulterated emptiness, and the Dharani of the transformations of all Buddhas. These benefits apply to those who merely encounter this Sutra, how much the more are benefits for those who cultivate accordingly?

Good men, were there enlightening beings who access this Dharma, they would be able to transform into Buddhas throughout all lands of Buddhas, in worlds of any direction. They would proclaim the wonderful Dharma for beings while appear to be immobile, neither coming nor going. While they help beings succeed, there is not one being helped. While they constantly lecture the Dharma, nothing is said. While they appear to perpetually incarnate, there is neither coming into being nor ceasing to be. And while they appear to come and go, there are no signs of Buddhas’ coming and going.”

While the World Honored One spoke this Dharma, 3,000 enlightening beings tapped into patience with no more coming into being of Dharma. Countless beings made the commitment to reach supreme enlightenment.

Bodhisattva Pondering Limitless Principles and all gods, dragons, yakshas, gandharvas, titans, humans, non-humans, and others who heard what the Buddha said, devoted themselves to practice joyously.

 

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[i] T10n0307_001 佛說莊嚴菩提心經. CBETA 電子佛典集成»大正藏 (T)»第 10 冊»No.0307. http://tripitaka.cbeta.org/T10n0307_001

[ii] Arhats in Sanskrit. Buddhist practitioners who have reached a saintly state, but not yet Buddhahood.

[iii] Śrāvakas in Sanskrit. Disciples of the Buddha who listen to the Buddha to gain insights.

[iv] Lone Buddhist practitioners who contemplate the Twelve Causal Links.

[v] T08n0223_021 摩訶般若波羅蜜經 Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra, fascicle 21, chapter 70 on the Three Types of Wisdom. The wisdom of Buddhas, Sarvathâjnâna in Sanskrit. Different from sarvajña, wisdom that Theravadan practitioners reach. http://tripitaka.cbeta.org/T08n0223_021

[vi] Nayutas in Sanskrit. Abhidharmakośakārikā 阿毘達磨俱舍論 offers a calculation whereby a nayuta would be one trillion. http://tripitaka.cbeta.org/T29n1558_012 Abhidharma Mahāvibhāṣā Śāstra 阿毘達磨大毘婆沙論 considers a nayuta 10³⁷. https://tripitaka.cbeta.org/T27n1545_177 Zh.mwikipedia.org/zh-tw/那由他 claims that the Avatamsaka Sutra states that one nayuta equals 10²⁸.

[vii] T12n0387_001 Great Vaipulya Sutra on No Thought 大方等無想經. CBETA 電子佛典集成»大正藏 (T)»第 12 冊»No.0387. http://tripitaka.cbeta.org/T12n0387_001 The eight virtues of water are: 1. Clean. 2. Cool. 3. Sweet. 4. Soft. 5. Nourishing. 6. Calming. 7. Satisfying. 8. Beneficial.

[viii] Daśabhūmi in Sanskrit, one of the chapters of the Avatamsaka Sutra that describes ten levels of practice 十地品.

[ix] Dhāraṇīs 陀羅尼an incantation, mantra, mnemonic code that serves as an acronym to a larger body of teachings but with equivalent efficacy.

[x] Catavari samgraha-vastuni in Sanskrit. To appeal to beings by being generous with them, offering them kind words, helping them, and working alongside them.

[xi] The Increase by One Agamma Sutra 增壹阿含經 CBETA 電子佛典集成»大正藏 (T)»第 36 冊»No.0125 http://tripitaka.cbeta.org/T02n0125_036. The eight obstacles that make it challenging for beings to encounter teachings of the Buddha: 1. Being one of the beings in the hell realm. 2. Being one of the beings in the realm of hungry ghosts. 3. Being one of the beings in the realm of animals. 4. Being one of the beings living a life of longevity in a heaven. 5. Residing in a marginalized area. 6. Being deaf, mute, blind, or disabled. 7. Being intelligent in the secular sense but extremely skeptical. 8. Being alive before or after a Buddha is around.

[xii] Bodhisattva-bhūmi 菩薩地持經 CBETA 電子佛典集成»大正藏 (T)»第 10 冊»No.1581 The http://tripitaka.cbeta.org/T30n1581_010 The ten powers of enlightening beings.

[xiii] Four things enlightening beings are not afraid of. Buddhas also have Four Fearlessnesses. https://baike.baidu.com/item/四无所畏

[xiv] Aṣṭādaś-āveṇika-buddha-dharma in Sanskrit. Enlightening beings or Buddhas’ 18 ways to enlightenment. http://buddhaspace.org/dict/fk/data/%25E5%258D%2581%25E5%2585%25AB%25E4%25B8%258D%25E5%2585%25B1%25E6%25B3%2595.html

[xv] The 12 Causal Links or Three rounds of the Four Noble Truths. http://buddhaspace.org/dict/fk/data/%25E4%25B8%2589%25E8%25BD%2589%25E5%258D%2581%25E4%25BA%258C%25E8%25A1%258C%25E7%259B%25B8.html

[xvi] Eight creatures that are the likes of gods and dragons, 天龍八部, Aṣṭasenā in Sansrit. They include gods, dragons, yakshas, gandharvas, titans, garuda birds, kinnaras, and giant pythons.