The Medicinal Tree

Then the World Honored One said to Cunda: "The things you see are not rare?"

"Yes, indeed, oh World-Honored One! The innumerable Buddhas that I saw all had the 32 marks (signs) of perfection and the 80 minor characteristics of excellence. They were so adorned. All Bodhisattvas are big in size, all wonderful, and their visages are incomparable. Thus I saw. Only the Buddha's body is like a medicinal tree, surrounded by all Bodhisattvas."

The Buddha said to Cunda: "All the Buddhas that you saw before you were of my own transformation [i.e. projections]. It was to benefit all beings and make them happy. All such Bodhisattvas Mahasattvas here have countless things to practice. They all do what countless Buddhas do. Oh Cunda! Now you have accomplished what the Bodhisattvas do and are perfect in what the Bodhisattva of the ten 'bhumis' does."

Read More on the Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 17 - On the Questions Raised by the Crowd.

The Eternal Full Moon

"Oh good man! On the other side of this full moon, we have the half-moon; if on this side we have the half-moon, on the other side, the full moon is seen. The people of Jambudvipa, when they see the new moon, say that it's the first day, and have in mind the idea of ​​a new month. Seeing the full moon, they say that it is the fifteenth day of the month and entertain the notion of the full moon. But this moon, truth to tell, has no waxing or waning. Only due to Mount Sumeru does it show a semblance of waxing and waning. Oh good man! The same is the case with the Tathagata. In Jambudvipa, he manifests himself being born and entering Nirvana. His first appearance (birth) is the first day of the month. Everyone says that this child is newborn. He walks seven steps. This is like the moon on the second day. Or he shows himself studying. This is like the moon on the third day. He displays renunciation. This is like the moon of the eighth day. He emits the all-wonderful light of Wisdom and subdues a countless number of beings and the armies of Mara. This can be likened to the full moon of the fifteenth day. Or he manifests the 32 marks of perfection and the 80 minor characteristics of excellence. Thus, he adorns himself and manifests himself entering Nirvana. It is (Nirvana) like the eclipse of the moon. Thus, what each being sees is not the same. Some see a half-moon, others the full moon, and still others an eclipse. But this moon, by its nature, knows no waxing or eclipsing. It is always the full moon. The body of the Tathagata is like this. For this reason, we say eternal and unchanging."

Read More on the Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 15 - On the Parable of the Moon

Pearls of Universe - Volume XIII

“In the Path of Bodhi, there is not someone who turns back. Oh, good man! The one who regretted after having start out, now sees those who went before and who have gained the treasures, sees them return undisturbed, and make offerings to their parents, giving to their relatives, enjoying much peace. Seeing this, a fire burns again in his mind, he adorns his body, starts out on the way again, spares no effort, endures all kinds of hardships, and goes to the Mountain of the Seven Treasures.”

Read more on Pearls of Universe - Volume XIII



CONTENTS

BODHISATTVA PRECEPTS 3
WHY UPHOLD PRECEPTS 4
ABOUT SEE THE TATHAGATA AND THE BUDDHA NATURE 5
SEE WHAT WE HAVE IN COMMON 6
CAUSE AND CONDITION OF UNSURPASSED BODHI 7
SANGHA IS HARMONY 7
THIRTEEN FACTORS LEADING TO RETROGRESSION OF THE BODHISATTVA 8
SIX FACTORS WHICH DESTROY THE BODHI MIND 9
THE MIND THAT IS NOT RETROGRESSIVE 10
PARABLE OF THE CLEAR SPRING 10
BACK TO THE MOUNTAIN OF THE SEVEN TREASURES 12
AVAIVARTIKA - 1 12
AVAIVARTIKA - 2 13
AVAIVARTIKA - 3 13
AVAIVARTIKA - 4 14
AVAIVARTIKA - 5 15
AVAIVARTIKA - 6 15
AVAIVARTIKA - 7 16
AVAIVARTIKA - 8 16
AVAIVARTIKA - 9 17
AVAIVARTIKA - 10 18
THE STAMP AND THE CLAY 18
THE EXTINCTION OF THE FIVE SKANDHAS 19
THE PILLARS OF SAMSARA 19
THE PRACTICE OF THE WAY 20
HOW TO PRACTICE THE PRECEPTS 21
HOW TO PRACTICE SAMADHI 21
HOW TO PRACTICE WISDOM 22
WHY WE PRACTICE 23

Avaivartika - 10

The Avaivartika and the causal relations of the 32 Marks of Perfection of the Tathagata.

"The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (30) does not speak ill of the shortcomings of others and does not slander the Wonderful Dharma. Because of this, he acquires the Voice-of-Buddha.

The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (31) sees all the enmities and gains a happy mind. Because of this, he gains the blue tone of his eyes.

The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (32) does not conceal the virtues of others, but praises the good which they have. Because of this, he gains a face with a white hair tuft on his brow.

Oh, good man! When the Bodhisattva-Mahasattva practices these 32 kinds of causal relations, he gains a thought that will not retrogress from the mind that seeks the Bodhi. "

Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 34, on Bodhisattva Lion's Roar 2.

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Avaivartika - 9

The Avaivartika and the causal relations of the 32 Marks of Perfection of the Tathagata.

"The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (28) gives whatever kind of food that beings desire to have. Because of this, he gains the taste that is mid-upper.

The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (29) exercises on the ten good deeds, and thereby teaches others. Because of this, he gains a large and long tongue [i.e., a symbolic expression referring to its great power of oratory.] "

Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 34, on Bodhisattva Lion's Roar 2.

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Avaivartika - 8

The Avaivartika and the causal relations of the 32 Marks of Perfection of the Tathagata.

"The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (25) segregates himself from double-tongue, from ill-speaking and an angry mind. Because of this, his 40 teeth are white and pure, well-balanced and delicate.

The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (26) practices Great Loving-Kindness towards beings. Due to this, he gains the two-fanged face.

The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva makes a vow: (27) 'To any who come and ask, I will give as they desire to have.’ Because of this, he gains the lion's cheeks."

Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 34, on Bodhisattva Lion's Roar 2.

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Avaivartika - 7

The Avaivartika and the causal relations of the 32 Marks of Perfection of the Tathagata.

“The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (22) gives, does not reaps or haggle over whatever is rare, and easily share things; (23) makes no distinction between whatever is a field of weal or a non-field of weal [i.e., the recipient of donation - charity - is likened to a field, whose cultivation increases the blessings and virtues of a person]. Because of this, he is full and strong in the seven places of his body.

The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (24) seeks wealth lawfully and always gives this [to others]. Because of this, the boneless parties [of his body] are full, the upper part is like that of a lion, and his elbows are well-balanced and delicate.”

Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 34, on Bodhisattva Lion's Roar 2.

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Avaivartika - 6

The Avaivartika and the causal relations of the 32 Marks of Perfection of the Tathagata.

"The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva readily (19) befriends wise men, segregating himself from the ignorant; (20) takes pleasure in changing viewpoints and clears the path along which it passes. Because of this, his skin is delicate and soft, and his bodily hair leans to the right-hand.

The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (21) always gives to men clothes, food and drink, medicines, incense and flowers, and candles. Because of this, her body shines brightly a golden color and smooth."

Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 34, on Bodhisattva Lion's Roar 2.

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Avaivartika - 5

The Avaivartika and the causal relations of the 32 Marks of Perfection of the Tathagata.

“The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (14) does not acquire a malevolent mind, (15) is satisfied with his food and drink, and with the giving; (16) he attends to illnesses and dispenses medicines. Because of this, his body is rounded and perfect, and is like the Nyagrodha tree. When his hands are stretched down, his fingers reach the knees and his head has a lump, for which feature the top of his head can not be seen.

The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, (17) when he sees a person in fear, extends help [to that person], and (18) when he sees a person without any clothes, gives him clothing. Due to this, he gains a feature through which his genital organ lies hidden.”

Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 34, on Bodhisattva Lion's Roar 2.

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Avaivartika - 4

The Avaivartika and the causal relations of the 32 Marks of Perfection of the Tathagata.

 “The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (9) upholds the precepts, (10) listens to sermons, and (11) does not stop giving. Due to this, his joints and ankles are fully fleshed and the hair on his skin flows in one direction.

The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (12) single-mindedly gives ear to Dharma and (13) expounds the right teachings. Because of this, he gains the ankles of a deer-king.”

Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 34, on Bodhisattva Lion's Roar 2.


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Avaivartika - 3

“The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (7) practices the four ways to guide beings in through: 1) giving, 2) friendliness, 3) good deeds, and 4) transforming himself and co-existing with them, as the beings themselves. Due to this, he earns the toe-membrane [one of the eighty minor characteristics of excellence] like that of the great royal swan.

The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva when his parents, teachers and elders are ill, (8) bathes and cleans itself, holds and rubs his members. Because of this, his hands and feet are soft.”

Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 34, on Bodhisattva Lion's Roar 2.

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Avaivartika - 2

“The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (4) fittingly offers things to his parents, the honoured ones, elders, and animals. Because of this, he gets on his sole the mark of excellence of a thousand spokes [one of 80 minor characteristics of excellence].

The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva (5) feels joy in non-harming and non-stealing, and (6) is grateful regarding his parents, honoured ones and teachers. Because of this, he is accomplished in the three bodily marks, which are: 1) long fingers, 2) long heels, and 3) a body erect and angular. All these three shapes arise out from the same karma.”

Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 34, on Bodhisattva Lion's Roar 2.

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Avaivartika - 1

Lion's Roar said: "Oh, World Honored One! Why are there the retrogressing and the non-retrogressing Bodhisattvas?"

“Oh, good man! If any Bodhisattva comes to know the causal relations of the 32 Marks of Perfection of the Tathagata, we say non- retrogressive. He is the Bodhisattva-Mahasattva, the non-upside-down, and someone who pities for all beings. He is someone superior to Sravakas and Pratyekabuddhas, and someone called 'Avaivartika'.

Oh, good man! The Bodhisattva-Mahasattva is (1) immovable in his upholding of the precepts, in (2) his mind of giving, and it is like Mount Sumeru in (3) abiding in the true word. Because of this, it gets the flat soles of the feet [one of 80 minor characteristics of excellence].”

Nirvana Sutra, Chapter 34, on Bodhisattva Lion's Roar 2.

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