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The Prose & Verse of The Lotus Sutra
Chapter
25
The Universal Door of the Bodhisattva
Observing the Sounds of the World
Page 9
The verse, reiterating the prose:
At this time the Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Will asked in verse, saying:
Reiterating the first question:
"World
Honored One, possessing the wonderful signs,
I now ask again.
Why is this
child of the Buddha
Said to be 'Observing the Sounds of the World"
The Buddha's answer; listen with faith:
The
Honored One, with the perfect and wonderful signs,
Answered Inexhaustible
Will in verse:
"Listen to the practice of Observing
the Sound
Skillfully responding to all in every direction
The vows of the Bodhisattva practice:
With
a broad pledge that is deep like the ocean
Lasting for inconceivable lifetimes
Serving
millions of Buddhas
Inspiring the great vow that is pure
The general answer; Seeing & hearing, capacity & response
I
shall now briefly teach you of this:
Those that hear his name and see his life
Unceasingly
keeping him in mind
Are able to extinguish the sufferings of existence
The specific
answer:
1. The Hardship
of Fire
If
others have malicious intent
Pushing one into a great pit of fire
Upon
evoking the power of Observing the Sound
The pit of fire will be transformed
into a pool
2. The Hardship of Water
Some
are tossed about in the currents of a great ocean
Full of dangerous dragons,
fish and demons
Upon
evoking the power of Observing the Sound
The waves will be unable to
sink them.
3. Being Pushed Off Mount Sumeru1
Some
are on the peak of Mount Sumeru
With others try to push them off
Upon evoking
the power of Observing the Sound
They will stay like the sun in empty space
4. Being Chased off the Vajra Mountains2
Some
are chased by evil people
Falling down from the Vajra Mountains
Upon evoking
the power of Observing the Sound
Not a single hair on them can be
harmed
5. The Hardship of Bandits
Some
are surrounded by vicious bandits
Each holding knives and threatening to
harm them
Upon
evoking the power of Observing the Sound
These bandits will arouse a mind of kindness
and mercy
6. The Hardship of Knives and Clubs
Some
suffer trouble with the law
On the verge of execution
Upon
evoking the power of Observing the Sound
The executioner's sword will
be broken into pieces
7. Stocks and Chains
Some
are in prison, shackled in chains
Arms and legs in stocks and irons
Upon
evoking the power of Observing the Sound
Their fetters will be loosened
and they will all be set free
8. Curses and Poisons
Some
face curses and poisonous hexes
From those that wish them harm
Upon
evoking the power of Observing the Sound
The harm will be return to its sender
9. Raksasas
Some
encounter evil raksasas
Poisonous dragons and demons
Upon
evoking the power of Observing the Sound
They will not dare to harm one
10. Beasts
Some
are surrounded by vicious beasts
With teeth and claws that are sharp and fearsome
Upon
evoking the power of Observing the Sound
These beasts will quickly flee in all
directions
11. Snakes and Scorpions
Some
face
venomous snakes and scorpions
Breathing poisonous fire and smoke
Upon
evoking the power of Observing the Sound
At the sound of the voice
they will all disappear
12. Thunder and Lightning
Thunder
clouds pound and lightning strikes
A great flood of rain and hail comes down
Upon
evoking the power of Observing the Sound
The weather will ease up and disperse
Sufferings generally; The body & the mind, their spiritual capacity and the response
Living
beings are beset with hardships
Oppressed by limitless suffering
With
the wonderful power of wisdom of Observing the Sound
They can be saved from the
suffering of the world
Outline of Title Outline of Prose Outline of Verse & Coda
Footnotes:
1. Being Pushed Off Mt. Sumeru: Being disturbed from the highest peak of heaven and sent into the lower spiritual realms
2. Being Chased Down the Vajra Mountains: Vajra means thunderbolt, symbol of power. The Vajra Mountains (or Iron Mountains) are the lands where ordinary people and creatures of the lower spiritual destines co-exist, and where fierce Vajra-Wielding Spirits (Vajrapani) terrify living beings with their powers.
Copyright © Peter Johnson 2001 - All rights reserved
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Since July 9, 2001