9- The Sutra On The Original Vows And Merits Of The Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata

Transcription

1 INCENSE PRAISE 爐香讚 爐香乍爇法界蒙薰諸佛海會悉遙聞隨處結祥雲誠意 方殷諸佛現全身 南無香雲蓋菩薩摩訶薩 ( 三稱 ) (3 times) Mo Incense has just begun to burn in the censer, All dharma realms receive the permeation. All Buddhas great congregations perceive from afar. Everywhere there gather auspicious clouds. In this moment of utmost sincerity, All Buddhas manifest themselves in their entirety. Namo Incense Cloud Canopy Bodhisattva Mahasattva (3 times)!1

2 Namo Buddhas and Bodhisattvas at the Medicine Buddha Assembly (3 times) 南無藥師會上佛菩薩 ( 三稱 ) Mo SUTRA OPENING GATHA 開經偈無上甚深微妙法百千萬劫難遭遇我今見聞得受持願解如來真實義 The Dharma, infinitely profound and subtle, Is rarely encountered even in a million kalpas. Now we are able to hear, study, and follow it, May we fully realize the Tathagata s true meaning.!2

3 藥師琉璃光如來本願功德經 如是我聞 : 一時薄伽梵, 遊化諸國, 至廣嚴城, 住樂音樹下 與 大苾芻眾 八千 人俱, 菩薩摩訶薩三萬六千, 及國王 大臣 婆羅門 居 士 天龍藥叉, 人非 人等, 無量 大眾, 恭敬圍繞, 而為說法 爾時, 曼殊室利法王 子, 承佛威神, 從座 而起, 偏袒 一肩, 右膝著地, 向薄伽梵, 曲躬合掌 白 言 : 世尊! 惟願演說如是相類諸佛名號, 及本 大願殊勝功德, 令諸聞者業障銷除, 為欲利樂像法轉時諸有情故 爾時世尊, 讚曼殊室利童 子 言 : 善哉! 善哉! 曼殊室利! 汝以 大悲, 勸請我說諸佛名號, 本願功德, 為拔業障所纏有情, 利益安樂像法轉時諸有情故 汝今諦聽! 極善思惟! 當為汝說 曼殊室利 言 : 唯然願說! 我等樂聞!!3

4 THE SUTRA ON THE ORIGINAL VOWS AND MERITS OF THE MEDICINE MASTER LAPIS LAZULI LIGHT TATHAGATA Thus have I heard: Once the World Honored One was traveling through various lands to teach the Dharma. When he arrived in Vaisali, he rested under the Tree of Music, accompanied by eight thousand great bhiksus and thirty-six thousand bodhisattvas and mahasattvas, as well as kings, ministers, Brahmins, laymen, dragons, yakshas, and other human and non-human beings. This immeasurable assembly gathered respectfully around the Buddha as he preached the Dharma. At that time, Manjusri, Prince of the Dharma, through the marvelous power of the Buddha, rose up from his seat, exposed his shoulder, and knelt on his right knee. Bowing deeply, with palms joined, he addressed the Buddha: World Honored One, may I beseech you to expound the various names and titles of the buddhas their great original vows and extraordinary merits, so that those who hear them may remove karmic obstructions, and sentient beings in the Dharma Semblance Age will obtain great benefit and joy. Then the World Honored One praised Bodhisattva Manjusri: Excellent! Excellent! Manjusri, out of great compassion, you have asked me to expound the buddhas names, as well as their vows and merits, in order to liberate those bound by karmic obstructions and bring benefits, peace, and joy to sentient beings in the Dharma Semblance Age. Now, listen attentively and reflect thoroughly. I will explain them to you. Bodhisattva Manjusri replied: Yes, please instruct us. We will listen joyfully. 佛告曼殊室利 : 東 方去此過 十殑伽沙等佛 土, 有世界名淨琉璃, 佛號藥師琉璃光如來 應正等覺, 明 行圓滿 善逝 世間解 無上 士 調御丈夫 天 人師 佛 薄伽梵 曼殊室利! 彼佛世尊藥師琉璃光如來, 本 行菩薩道時, 發 十 二 大願, 令諸有情, 所求皆得!4

5 第 一 大願 : 願我來世, 得阿耨多羅三藐三菩提時, 自身光明, 熾然照耀, 無量無數無邊世界, 以三 十 二 大丈夫相, 八 十隨好, 莊嚴其身 ; 令 一切有情, 如我無異 第 二 大願 : 願我來世, 得菩提時, 身如琉璃, 內外明徹, 淨無瑕穢 ; 光明 廣 大, 功德巍巍, 身善安住, 燄網莊嚴, 過於日月 ; 幽冥眾 生, 悉蒙開曉, 隨意所趣, 作諸事業 第三 大願 : 願我來世, 得菩提時, 以無量無邊智慧 方便, 令諸有情, 皆得無盡所受用物, 莫令眾 生, 有所乏少!5

6 The Buddha then said to Bodhisattva Manjusri: To the east of this world, past countless Buddha lands, there exists a world called Pure Lapis Lazuli. The Buddha of that world is called the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, Arhat, the Completely Enlightened, Perfect in Wisdom and Conduct, Well Gone, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Great Tamer, Teacher of Heavenly and Human Beings, Buddha, World Honored One. Manjusri, when the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata was practicing the bodhisattva way, he made Twelve Great Vows to enale sentient beings obtain whatever they wish for. They are: The first great vow: I vow that in the future, when I attain unsurpassed, complete enlightenment, my body will shine forth brilliant rays, illuminating infinite, countless boundless realms. This body will be adorned with Thirty-two Marks of the Great One and Eighty Auspicious Characteristics, enabling all sentient beings to become just like me. The second great vow: I vow that in the future, when I attain perfect enlightenment, my body will be translucent inside and out, like lapis lazuli, with brightness and flawless purity. This body will be adorned with superlative virtues and dwell peacefully in a mesh of light more magnificent than the sun or moon. The light will awaken the minds of all beings dwelling in darkness, enabling them to engage in their pursuits according to their wishes. The third great vow: I vow that in the future, when I attain perfect enlightenment, with infinite wisdom and skillful means, I will provide all sentient beings with inexhaustible goods to meet their needs so that they will never lack anything.!6

7 第四 大願 : 願我來世, 得菩提時, 若諸有情, 行邪道者, 悉令安住菩提道中 ; 若 行聲聞獨覺乘者, 皆以 大乘 而安立之 第五 大願 : 願我來世, 得菩提時, 若有無量無邊有情, 於我法中, 修 行梵 行, 一切皆令得不缺戒, 具三聚戒 ; 設有毀犯, 聞我名已, 還得清淨, 不墮惡趣! 第六 大願 : 願我來世, 得菩提時, 若諸有情, 其身下劣, 諸根不具, 醜陋 頑愚 盲聾 瘖瘂 攣躄背僂 白癩癲狂 種種病苦 ; 聞我名已, 一切皆得端正黠慧, 諸根完具, 無諸疾苦 第七 大願 : 願我來世, 得菩提時, 若諸有情, 眾病逼切, 無救無歸, 無醫無藥, 無親無家, 貧窮多苦 ; 我之名號, 一經其耳, 眾病悉除, 身 心安樂, 家屬資具, 悉皆豐 足, 乃 至證得無上菩提!7

8 The fourth great vow: I vow that in the future, when I attain perfect enlightenment, if there are those who follow evil ways, I will set them all upon the bodhi path; if there are those who cultivate the path of the sravaka or pratyekabuddha, I will set them onto the Mahayana path. The fifth great vow: I vow that in the future, when I attain perfect enlightenment, I will help all the countless sentient beings who cultivate morality in accordance with my Dharma to observe the precepts to perfection, in conformity with the Three Sets of Pure Precepts. Upon hearing my name, even those guilty of disparaging or violating the precepts will regain their purity and avoid descending into the wretched destinies. The sixth great vow: I vow that in the future, when I attain perfect enlightenment, sentient beings with imperfect bodies, whose senses are deficient, who are ugly, stupid, blind, deaf, mute, crippled, hunchedbacked, leprous, insane, or suffering from various other illnesses upon hearing my name, they will obtain normal bodies, be endowed with intelligence, and intact senses, and will be free of illness and suffering. The seventh great vow: I vow that in the future, when I attain perfect enlightenment, sentient beings afflicted with various illnesses, with no one to help them, nowhere to turn, no physicians, no medicine, no family, no home, who are destitute and miserable, will, as soon as my name passes through their ears, be relieved of all their illnesses. With mind and body content and at peace, they will enjoy home, family, and property in abundance, and eventually realize unsurpassed enlightenment. 第 八 大願 : 願我來世, 得菩提時, 若有 女 人, 為 女百惡之所逼惱, 極 生厭離, 願捨 女身 ; 聞我名已, 一切皆得轉 女成男, 具丈夫相, 乃 至證得無上菩提 第九 大願 : 願我來世, 得菩提時, 令諸有情, 出魔羂網, 解脫 一切外道纏縛 ; 若墮種種惡見稠林, 皆當引攝, 置於正見, 漸令修習諸菩薩 行, 速證無上正等菩提! Juan!8

9 第 十 大願 : 願我來世, 得菩提時, 若諸有情, 王法所錄, 繩縛鞭撻, 繫閉牢獄, 或當刑戮, 及餘無量災難凌辱, 悲愁煎迫, 身 心受苦 ; 若聞我名, 以我福德威神 力故, 皆得解脫 一切憂苦! 第 十 一 大願 : 願我來世, 得菩提時, 若諸有情, 饑渴所惱, 為求食故, 造諸惡業 ; 得聞我名, 專念受持, 我當先以上妙飲食, 飽 足其身, 後以法味, 畢竟安樂, 而建立之!9

10 The eighth great vow: I vow that in the future, when I attain perfect enlightenment, if there are women who are extremely disgusted with the numerous feminine afflictions, and wish to abandon their female form, upon hearing my name, they will be reborn as men endowed with noble features, and eventually realize unsurpassed enlightenment. The ninth great vow: I vow that in the future, when I attain perfect enlightenment, I will help all sentient beings escape from the demons net and free themselves from the bonds of heretical paths. Should they be caught in the thicket of wrong views, I will lead them to correct views, gradually inducing them to cultivate the ways of the bodhisattva so that they will promptly realize unsurpassed, complete enlightenment. The tenth great vow: I vow that in the future, when I attain perfect enlightenment, those sentient beings who are shackled, beaten, imprisoned, condemned to death, or subjected to countless miseries and humiliations by royal decree, and who are suffering in body and mind from such oppression, need only hear my name to be freed from all those afflictions, thanks to the marvelous power of my merits and virtues. The eleventh great vow: I vow that in the future, when I attain perfect enlightenment, if sentient beings who are tormented by hunger and thirst, creating evil karma in their attempts to survive, should hear my name, recite it wholeheartedly and hold fast to it, I will first satisfy them with the most exquisite food and drinks. Later, with the flavor of the Dharma, I will establish them in the realm of peace and happiness.!10

11 第 十 二 大願 : 願我來世, 得菩提時, 若諸有情, 貧無衣服, 蚊虻寒熱, 晝夜逼惱 ; 若聞我名, 專念受持, 如其所好, 即得種種上妙衣服, 亦得 一切寶莊嚴具, 華鬘塗香, 鼓樂眾伎, 隨 心所翫, 皆令滿 足 曼殊室利! 是為彼世尊藥師琉璃光如來, 應正等覺 行菩薩道時, 所發 十 二微妙上願 復次, 曼殊室利! 彼世尊藥師琉璃光如來, 行菩薩道時, 所發 大願, 及彼佛 土, 功德莊嚴, 我若 一劫 若 一劫餘, 說不能盡 然彼佛 土, 一向清淨, 無有 女 人, 亦無惡趣, 及苦音聲 ; 琉璃為地, 金繩界道, 城闕宮閣, 軒窗羅網, 皆七寶成 ; 亦如西 方極樂世界, 功德莊嚴, 等無差別 於其國中, 有 二菩薩摩訶薩 : 一名日光遍照, 二名月光遍照 是彼無量無數菩薩眾之上首, 次補佛處, 悉能持彼世尊藥師琉璃光如來正法寶藏 是故曼殊室利! 諸有信 心善男 子 善 女 人等, 應當願 生彼佛世界 The twelfth great vow: I vow that in the future, when I attain perfect enlightenment, if sentient beings who are utterly destitute, lacking clothes to protect them from mosquitoes and flies, heat and cold, and are suffering day and night, should hear my name, recite it wholeheartedly and hold fast to it, their wishes will be fulfilled. They will receive all manners of exquisite clothing, precious adornments, flower garlands and incense powder, and will enjoy music and entertainment to their heart s content. Manjusri, the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, Arhat, the Completely Enlightened made these Twelve Sublime Vows when he was cultivating the bodhisattva path. Moreover, Manjusri, as to these Great Vows made by the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata while he was practicing the bodhisattva way, as well as the merits, virtues, and adornments of his Buddha Land, I cannot possibly describe them all, not even if I were to speak for a kalpa or more. However, this Buddha Land is utterly pure, without any woman, without the wretched destinies or any sounds of suffering. Its ground is made of lapis lazuli; the boundaries are demarcated with golden cords, the towns, towers, palaces, pavilions, balconies, windows, and draperies are all made of the seven jewels. The merits, virtues, and adornments of this realm are identical to those of the Land of Ultimate Bliss in the west. In this land dwell two great bodhisattvas: One is called Universal Sunlight and the other Universal Moonlight. They are the leaders of countless bodhisattvas and will serve as successors to this Buddha, upholding the True Dharma Treasury of the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata. For these reasons, Manjusri, devout men and women should vow to be born in this Buddha Land.!11

12 爾時世尊, 復告曼殊室利童 子 言 : 曼殊室利! 有諸眾 生, 不識善惡, 唯懷 貪吝, 不知布施, 及施果報, 愚癡無智, 闕於信根, 多聚財寶, 勤加守 護 見乞者來, 其 心不喜, 設不獲已, 而 行施時, 如割身 肉, 深 生痛惜 復有無量慳貪有情, 積集資財, 於其自身, 尚不受用, 何況能與 父母妻 子 奴婢作使, 及來乞者? 彼諸有情, 從此命終, 生餓鬼界, 或傍 生趣 由昔 人間, 曾得暫聞藥師琉璃光如來名故, 今在惡趣, 暫得憶念彼如來名, 即 於念時, 從彼處沒, 還 生 人中 ; 得宿命念, 畏惡趣苦, 不樂欲樂, 好 行惠 施, 讚歎施者, 一切所有, 悉無貪惜, 漸次尚能以頭目 手 足, 血 肉身分, 施來求者, 況餘財物? 復次, 曼殊室利! 若諸有情, 雖於如來受諸學處, 而破 尸羅 ; 有雖不破 尸羅, 而破軌則 ; 有於 尸羅軌則, 雖得不壞, 然毀正見 ; The Buddha then told Bodhisattva Manjusri: Manjusri, there are sentient beings who cannot tell right from wrong. They are greedy and mean, do not practice charity and do not understand dana and its rewards. They lack wisdom and are ignorant. Lacking the root of faith, they amass riches, which they assiduously hoard. When they see those begging for alms, they become annoyed; when they have to give against their will, they feel as much pain and regret as if they were parting with their own flesh. Moreover, there are also countless sentient beings who are miserly and avaricious. They amass wealth, yet do not even spend it on themselves, let alone on their parents, spouses, children, servants, slaves, or beggars. Upon their death, these people will descend into the realms of hungry ghosts or animals. However, if they have briefly heard the name of the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata when they were humans, although now they are reborn into the wretched destines, if they can recall the Buddha s name even briefly, they will immediately be free from these destinies and be reborn as human beings. They will remember their sojourn in the lower destinies, and, dreading their past sufferings, cease to wallow in worldly pleasures. They will gladly practice dana, praise others who do so, and will no longer be ungenerous. Gradually, they will even be able to donate their heads, eyes, limbs, blood, flesh, or other parts of their bodies to those who need them, not to mention mere material possessions. Moreover, Manjusri, there are sentients beings who accept the teachings of the Tathagata but have violated the precepts; or, they have not violated the precepts, but have broken the regulations. Or else, while they do not violate the precepts or the regulations, they have disparaged right views;!12

13 有雖不毀正見, 而棄多聞, 於佛所說契經深義, 不能解了 ; 有雖多聞, 而增上慢, 由增上慢, 覆蔽 心故, 自是非他, 嫌謗正法, 為魔伴黨 如是愚 人, 自 行邪見, 復令無量俱胝有情, 墮 大險坑 此諸有情, 應於地獄傍 生鬼趣, 流轉無窮 若得聞此藥師琉璃光如來名號, 便捨惡 行, 修諸善法, 不墮惡趣 ; 設有不能捨諸惡 行 修 行善法, 墮惡趣者, 以彼如來本願威 力, 令其現前, 暫聞名號, 從彼命終, 還 生 人趣, 得正見精進, 善調意樂, 便能捨家, 趣於非家, 如來法中, 受持學處, 無有毀犯, 正見多聞, 解甚深義, 離增上慢, 不謗正法, 不為魔伴, 漸次修 行諸菩薩 行, 速得圓滿 復次, 曼殊室利! 若諸有情, 慳貪嫉妒, 自讚毀他, 當墮三惡趣中, 無量千歲, 受諸劇苦!!13

14 or they have not disparaged right views but have abandoned extensive study of the Dharma and therefore cannot understand the profound meaning of the sutras preached by the Buddha. Or else, although they may be knowledgeable, they have grown conceited in their Dharma knowledge. Because conceit clouds the mind, they believe that they are always right and others are the wrong. Or, they deprecate the right Dharma, thereby allying themselves with demons. Such deluded persons not only follow wrong view themselves, but also lead countless other sentient beings into great dangerous pitfall. These sentient beings are bound to wander endlessly on the paths of hell, animals, and hungry ghosts. Yet, if they should hear the name of the Medicine Buddha, they will abandon evil conduct, cultivate good deeds, and avoid descending into the wretched destinies. Even those who descend into the wretched destinies because they cannot abandon evil practices or cultivate good deeds, they can still benefit from the marvelous power of the Medicine Buddha s original vows. If they should hear his name even briefly, at the end of their lives they will be reborn in the human realm, hold right views, be diligent, pursue right liveliood, and discipline their minds to attain joy. They will then be able to abandon home life to become monastics. They will uphold and study the Dharma of the Tathagatas without disparaging or violating it. With right views and extensive study, they will fathom the extremely profound meaning [of the teachings], be free from arrogance, and cease to disparage the right Dharma. They will no longer have demons as companions, but will gradually cultivate the practices of bodhisattvas and swiftly perfect them. Moreover, Manjusri, there are sentient beings who are miserly, avaricious, envious, jealous, praise themselves, and disparage others. They are bound to sink into the three wretched destinies, suffering intense misery for countless thousands of years.!14

15 受劇苦已, 從彼命終, 來 生 人間, 作 牛馬駝驢, 恆被鞭撻, 饑渴逼 惱, 又常負重, 隨路 而 行 或得為 人, 生居下賤, 作 人奴婢, 受他 驅役, 恆不自在 若昔 人中, 曾聞世尊藥師琉璃光如來名號, 由此 卵善因, 今復憶念, 至 心歸依 以佛神 力, 眾苦解脫, 諸根聰利, 智 Que 慧多聞, 恆求勝法, 常遇善友, 永斷魔羂, 破無明殼, 竭煩惱河, 解脫 一切 生老病死, 憂愁苦惱 Juan 復次, 曼殊室利! 若諸有情, 好喜乖離, 更相 鬥訟, 惱亂自他, 以身語意, 造作增長種種惡業, 展轉常為不饒益事, 互相謀害 告召 山林樹塚等神 ; 殺諸眾 生, 取其 血 肉祭祀藥叉 羅剎婆等 ; 書怨 人名, 作其形像, 以惡咒術, 而咒詛之 ; 魘魅蠱道, 咒起屍鬼, 令斷彼命, 及壞其身 是諸有情, 若得聞此藥師琉璃光如來名號, 彼諸惡事, 悉不能害, When this intense suffering comes to an end, they will be reborn in the human world as oxen, horses, donkeys or camels. Often beaten and suffering from hunger and thirst, they constantly travel along the road carrying heavy loads. If they are reborn as human beings, they will be among the poor and lowly, always serving others and belabored by others, enjoying no freedom. However, if any of them, in a former incarnation as a human being, have heard the name of the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, and as a result of this good cause, now remember and wholeheartedly take refuge in him, they will, thanks to this Buddha s spiritual powers, be freed from all suffering. Their senses will be sharp and they will be wise and learned, constantly seeking the supreme teachings, and meeting with good spiritual friends. They will break forever through Mara s net, smash the shell of delusion, dry up the river of afflictions, and thus escape all the worry and suffering of birth, old age, illness, and death. Moreover, Manjusri, there are sentient beings who love to quarrel, create schisms, and engage in legal disputes. They make themselves and others suffer, creating and increasing all kinds of evil karma with body, speech, and mind. They plot against one another without mercy, while invoking the spirits of mountains, forests, trees, and tombs, they kill sentient beings and use their flesh and blood as sacrifices to the yaksa and raksara demons. They may also write down the names and make images of those against whom they harbor grudges, curse them with evil mantras or try to harm or kill them with potions, witchcraft, or demons revived from the dead. However, if the victims succeed in hearing the name of the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, none of these evil practices can harm them.!15

16 一切展轉, 皆起慈 心, 利益安樂, 無損惱意及嫌恨 心, 各各歡悅, 於自所 受, 生於喜 足, 不相侵凌, 互為饒益 復次, 曼殊室利! 若有四眾 : 苾芻 苾芻尼 鄔波索迦 鄔波斯迦, 及餘 淨信善男 子 善 女 人等, 有能受持 八分齋戒, 或經 一年, 或復三月, 受持學處, 以此善根, 願 生西 方極樂世界無量壽佛所, 聽聞正法, 而未定者, 若聞世尊藥師琉璃光如來名號, 臨命終時, 有 八 大菩薩, 其名曰 : 文殊師利菩薩, 觀世音菩薩, 得 大勢菩薩, 無盡意菩薩, 寶檀華菩薩, 藥王菩薩, 藥上菩薩, 彌勒菩薩 是 八 大菩薩乘空 而來, 示其道路, 即於彼界, 種種雜 色眾寶華中, 自然化 生 或有因此 生於天上, 雖 生天中, 而本善根, 亦未窮盡, 不復更 生諸餘惡趣 天上壽盡, 還 生 人間, 或為輪王, 統攝四洲, 威德自在, 安立無量百千有情, 於 十善道 ; 或 生剎帝利 婆羅門 居 士 大家, 多饒財寶, 倉庫盈溢, Moreover, everyone concerned will develop compassionate minds, endeavoring to benefit and bring peace and joy to others. Without harmful thoughts and angry spiteful minds, everyone will be happy and content. Moreover, Manjusri, there are those in the fourfold assembly of bhiksus, bhiksunis, upasakas, and upasikas, as well as among other men and women of pure faith, who are able to adhere to the Eight Precepts for one year or three months, dedicating these good roots toward rebirths in the Western Land of Ultimate Bliss, so as to listen to the right Dharma from the Buddha Infinite Life. However, their rebirth in the pure land is still uncertain. But if they hear the name of the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, then, at the time of death, eight great bodhisattvas, namely: Bodhisattva Manjusri, Bodhisattva Guanyin, Bodhisattva Great Strength, Bodhisattva Inexhaustible Mind, Bodhisattva Precious Sandalwood Flower, Bodhisattva Medicine King, Bodhisattva Superior Medicine, and Bodhisattva Maitreya, will descend from space and show them the way. Thereupon, they will be reborn through natural transformation among precious flowers of various colors in that Pure Land. Moreover, thanks to hearing the Medicine Buddha s name, there are those who are born in the celestial realms, and with their good roots still not exhausted, they will not be born again into the wretched destinies. When their lifespan ends in the celestial realms, they may return to the human realm as Wheel Turning Kings, ruling over the Four Continents. With marvelous merits and ease, they will set countless hundreds of thousands of sentients beings onto the path of the ten virtues, or they may be born as ksatriyas, Brahmins, or laymen of affluent families, with abundant wealth and overflowing granaries.!16

17 形相端嚴, 眷屬具 足, 聰明智慧, 勇健威猛, 如 大 力 士 若是 女 人, 得聞 世尊藥師琉璃光如來名號, 至 心受持, 於後不復更受 女身 復次, 曼殊室利! 彼藥師琉璃光如來, 得菩提時, 由本願 力, 觀諸有情, 遇眾病苦, 瘦 疒乾消, 黃熱等病 ; 或被魘魅蠱毒所中 ; 或復短命, 或時橫死 ; 欲令是等病苦消除, 所求願滿 時彼世尊, 入三摩地, 名曰除滅 一切眾 生苦惱 既 入定已, 於 肉髻中, 出 大光明, 光中演說, 大陀羅尼曰 : 戀 LÜan 南無薄伽伐帝鞞殺社窶嚕薜琉璃 Mo 鉢喇婆喝囉闍也怛他揭多耶 阿囉喝帝三藐三勃陀耶怛姪他唵 鞞殺逝鞞殺逝鞞殺社三沒揭帝莎訶 爾時光中說此咒已, 大地震動, 放 大光明, 一切眾 生, 病苦皆除, 受安隱樂 曼殊室利! 若見男 子 女 人, 有病苦者, 應當 一 心, 為彼病 人, 常清淨澡漱, 或食或藥 或無蟲 水 咒 一百 八遍, They will be endowed with noble features, large families and full retainers, intelligence and wisdom, as well as courage, vigor, and marvelous power of great heros. Likewise, if there is any woman who hears the name of the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Tathagata, and wholeheartedly concentrates on his name, she will never again be reborn with a female body. Manjusri, when the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata attained enlightenment, he realized, by virtue of his original vows, that sentient beings endured various ailments, such as emaciation, crippling disabilities, fever, dysentery, jaundice, etc. Some were targets of black magic or various poisons, while others suffered short life or untimely death. He sought to put an end to these miseries and fulfill the wishes of all sentient beings. At that time, the World Honored One entered a samadhi called Eliminating All the Suffering and Afflictions of Sentient Beings. Having entered that samadhi, a brilliant light shone forth from his urna as he uttered a great dharani: ná mó bó qié fá dì bō lá pó hē là shé yě sān miǎo sān bó tuó yē pí shā shì pí shā shè pí shā shè jù lū bì líu lí dá tā jiē duō yē ā là hē dì dá zhí tā ǎn pí shā shì sān mò jié dì suō hē!17

18 As soon as the Medicine Buddha, in his radiance, had uttered this mantra, the entire earth shook and shone brilliant lights, Curing the disease and eradicating the suffering of sentient beings, enabling them to enjoy peace and happiness. Manjusri, if you come across any man or woman suffering from illness, you should bathe the body and rinse the mouth of that person; then recite the mantra with onemind one hundred and eight times over his food, medicine, or water that is free from insects.!18

19 與彼服食, 所有病苦, 悉皆消滅 若有所求, 至 心念誦, 皆得如是, 無病延年 ; 命終之後, 生彼世界, 得不退轉, 乃 至菩提 是故曼殊室利! 若有男 子 女 人, 於彼藥師琉璃光如來, 至 心殷重, 恭敬供養者, 常持此咒, 勿令廢忘 復次, 曼殊室利! 若有淨信男 子 女 人, 得聞藥師琉璃光如來, 應正等覺, 所有名號, 聞已誦持 晨嚼 齒 木, 澡漱清淨, 以諸香華, 燒香塗香, 作眾伎樂, 供養形像 於此經典, 若自書, 若教 人書, 一 心受持, 聽聞其義 於彼法師, 應修供養, 一切所有資身之具, 悉皆施與, 勿令乏少 如是便蒙諸佛護念, 所求願滿, 乃 至菩提 爾時曼殊室利童 子白佛 言 : 世尊! 我當誓於像法轉時, 以種種 方便, 令諸淨信善男 子 善 女 人等, 得聞世尊藥師琉璃光如來名號, 乃 至睡中, 亦以佛名, 覺悟其耳 世尊! 若於此經, 受持讀誦 或復為他演說開示 ; 若自書 若教 人書 ; Once the sick person has taken the food or drink, the illness and suffering will be eradicted. If the patient wholeheartedly recites this mantra, he or she will be free of disease and enjoy longevity, with every wish being fulfilled. Furthermore, after death, this person will be born in the land of the Medicine Buddha and attain enlightenment without retrogression. Therefore, Manjusri, any man or woman who wholeheartedly reveres and respectfully makes offerings to the Medicine Buddha should constantly recite this mantra, never stopping or forgetting it. Moreover, Manjusri, men and women of pure faith upon hearing the various names of the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, Arhat, the Completely Enlightened, should recite and uphold this name. Each morning, at dawn, having bathed themselves and brushed their teeth, they should make offerings of fragrant flowers, incense, scents, and various kinds of music before an image of this Buddha. Furthermore, they should copy this sutra or have others do so, as well as wholeheartedly follow, uphold it, and listen to explanations of its meaning. They should offer all the necessities of life to the Dharma masters, making sure they lack nothing. The Buddhas will be mindful of such devout men and women; all their wishes will be fulfilled and they will eventually attain enlightenment. Bodhisattva Manjusri then respectfully addressed the Buddha: World Honored One, I vow that in the Dharma Semblance Age, I will use every skillful means to help men and women of pure faith hear the name of the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata even in their!19

20 sleep, I will awaken their consciousness with the name of this Buddha. World Honored One, if any devout persons should read, recite, and uphold this sutra, or lecture upon it, explaining its meaning to others, or copy it or have others copy it;!20

21 恭敬尊重, 以種種花香塗香 末香燒香 花鬘瓔珞 幡蓋伎樂, 而為供養 ; 以五 色綵, 作囊盛之 ; 掃灑淨處, 敷設 高座, 而用安處 爾時, 四 大天王, 與其眷屬, 及餘無量百千天眾, 皆詣其所, 供養守護 世尊! 若此經寶, 流 行之處, 有能受持, 以彼世尊藥師琉璃光如來本願功德, 及聞名號, 當知是處, 無復橫死 ; 亦復不為諸惡鬼神, 奪其精氣, 設已奪者, 還得如故, 身 心安樂 佛告曼殊室利 : 如是如是! 如汝所說 曼殊室利! 若有淨信善男 子 善 女 人等, 欲供養彼世尊藥師琉璃光如來者, 應先造立彼佛形像, 敷清淨座, 而安處之 散種種花, 燒種種香, 以種種幢幡, 莊嚴其處 七日七夜, 受持 八分齋戒, 食清淨食, 澡浴香潔, 著新淨衣, 應 生無垢濁 心, 無怒害 心, 於 一切有情, 起利益安樂, 慈悲喜捨, 平等之 心, 鼓樂歌讚, 右繞佛像 or if they should pay it the utmost reverence, adorning it with fragrant flowers, scents, incense powder, and sticks, garlands, necklaces, banners, canopies, dance, and music with pockets made of five-colored cloth; and if they should prepare a clean site, erect a high altar, and place the sutra upon it. The Four Great Heavenly Kings, their retinues as well as countless hundreds of thousands of other celestial beings, will thereupon proceed to this place to make offerings and guard this sutra. World Honored One, wherever this sutra has spread and there are people capable of upholding it, you should know that, thanks to the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata s original vows, his merits and the power of his name, the place will be free of untimely death. In that place, there will no longer be evil demons or spirits to sap the vital energy of the people. Even if there were, these devout men and women would recover, enjoy good health and peace of mind. The Buddha then spoke to Manjusri: So be it, so be it. It is just as you have explained. Manjusri, if men and women of pure faith wish to make offerings to the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, they should first make an image of this Buddha, and install it upon a pure, clean altar. They should scatter all kinds of flowers, burn many varieties of incense, and adorn the place with many kinds of banners and pennants. For seven days and seven nights, they should adhere to the Eight Precepts, consume only pure food, bathe and freshen themselves, put on clean,!21

22 fresh clothing, and keep their mind undefiled, free of anger or malice. They should develop kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity toward all sentient beings, while bringing them benefits, peace and happiness. They should circumambulate his image clockwise while offering music, chants, and praises to the Medicine Buddha. 復應念彼如來本願功德, 讀誦此經, 思惟其義, 演說開示 隨所樂求, 一切皆遂 : 求長壽得長壽, 求富饒得富饒, 求官位得官位, 求男 女得男 女 若復有 人, 忽得惡夢, 見諸惡相 ; 或怪鳥來集 ; 或於住處, 百怪出現 此 人若以眾妙資具, 恭敬供養, 彼世尊藥師琉璃光如來者, 惡夢惡相, 諸不吉祥, 皆悉隱沒, 不能為患 或有 水 火 刀毒懸險 惡象獅 子 虎狼熊羆 毒蛇惡蠍 蜈蚣蚰蜒 蚊虻等怖 ; 若能 至 心憶念彼佛, 恭敬供養, 一切怖畏皆得解脫 若他國侵擾, 盜賊反亂, 憶念恭敬彼如來者, 亦皆解脫 復次, 曼殊室利! 若有淨信善男 子 善 女 人等, 乃 至盡形不事餘天, 惟當 一 心歸佛法僧, 受持禁戒 : 若五戒 十戒 菩薩四百戒 苾芻 二百五 十戒, 苾芻尼五百戒 於所受中, 或有毀犯, 怖墮惡趣, 若能專念彼佛名號, 恭敬供養者, 必定不受三惡趣 生 Moreover, they should bear in mind this Buddha s merits and original vows while reading and reciting this sutra, reflect on its meaning, and explain it to others. All their wishes will then be fulfilled wishing longevity, one will obtain longevity; wishing wealth, one will obtain wealth; wishing official position, one will obtain official postion; wishing the birth of sons and daughters, one will obtain sons and daughters. Moreover, if people suddenly suffer nightmares and witnesses evil omens such as flocks of strange birds or many strange occurrences where they live if they venerate, with various kinds of wonderful offerings, the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, then these unfavorable incidents such as nightmares and bad omens will all disappear, and can no longer harm them. If any sentient beings are in fear of water, fire, knives, poison, falling off a precipice, or of vicious beasts such as wild elephants, lions, millipedes, mosquitos or gnats they need only wholeheartedly recall and recite the name of the Medicine Buddha, and respectfully make offerings to him, and they will escape all these terrors. If a country!22

23 should be subject to invasion, disruption, banditry, or rebellion, the inhabitants who pay homage and recall or recite the name of the Medicine Buddha will be free from such calamities. Moreover, Manjusri, there are men and women of pure faith who do not worship other deities for the rest of their lives, but only one-mindedly taken refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha and uphold the precepts the five or ten lay Precepts, the four hundred bodhisattva precepts, or the two hundred and fifty bhiksu or five hundred bhiksuni precepts. However, if any of them have violated the precepts they have taken, and are fearful of falling into the wretched destinies, they should concentrate on the name of the Medicine Buddha and respectfully make offerings to him, they will then certainly avoid rebirth on the three wretched destinies.!23

24 或有 女 人, 臨當產時, 受於極苦 ; 若能 至 心稱名禮讚, 恭敬供養彼如來 者, 眾苦皆除 所 生之 子, 身分具 足, 形 色端正, 見者歡喜, 利根聰明, 安隱少病, 無有非 人, 奪其精氣 爾時世尊, 告阿難 言 : 如我稱揚彼世尊藥師琉璃光如來所有功德, 此是諸佛甚深 行處, 難可解了, 汝為信不? 阿難白 言 : 大德世尊! 我於如來所說契經, 不 生疑惑, 所以者何? 一切如來身語意業, 無不清淨 世尊! 此日月輪, 可令墮落, 妙 高 山王, 可使傾動, 諸佛所 言, 無有異也 世尊! 有諸眾 生, 信根不具, 聞說諸佛甚深 行處, 作是思惟 : 云何但念藥師琉璃光如來 一佛名號, 便獲爾所功德勝利? 由此不信, 反 生誹謗 彼於長夜, 失 大利樂, 墮諸惡趣, 流轉無窮! 佛告阿難 : 是諸有情, 若聞世尊藥師琉璃光如來名號, 至 心受持, 不 生疑惑, 墮惡趣者, 無有是處 If women, who experience extreme pain during childbirth, can, with utmost sincerity, recite and praise the name of the Medicine Buddha, venerate and make offerings to him, they will be relieved of their sufferings. The children born to them will have healthy bodies, be proper in appearance, and pleasing to those who see them. They will be endowed with sharp senses and intelligence. They will seldom become ill, nor will non-humans sap their vital energy. The World Honored One then asked Ananda: I have just extolled the merits of the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata. These merits are results of the extremely profound practices of all Buddhas, but are difficult to explain. Do you have any faith in them or not? Ananda respectfully replied: Venerable World Honored One, I do not have any doubts about the sutras preached by the Tathagatas. Why? It is because the Tathagatas karma of body, speech, and mind are all pure. World Honored One, the sun and the moon may fall, Mount Sumeru, the majestic king of mountains, may topple, but the words of the Buddhas are never mistaken. World Honored One, some sentient beings, whose roots of faith are deficient, may hear of the sublime practices of the Buddhas and think, How can we, just by being mindful of the name of the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata alone, obtain these superior merits? Because of this lack of faith, they even develop disparagement, thus forfeiting great benefits and remaining in the long, dark night. They descend onto the wretched destinies, revolving in them without end. The Buddha then said to Ananda: If sentient beings should hear the name of the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, wholeheartedly uphold it without harboring doubts, then it will be impossible for them to fall into the wretched destinies.!24

25 阿難! 此是諸佛甚深所 行, 難可信解 ; 汝今能受, 當知皆是如來威 力 阿難! 一切聲聞獨覺, 及未登地諸菩薩等, 皆悉不能如實信解, 唯除 一 生所繫菩薩 阿難! 人身難得 ; 於三寶中, 信敬尊重, 亦難可得 ; 聞世尊藥師琉璃光如來名號, 復難於是 阿難! 彼藥師琉璃光如來, 無量菩薩 行, 無量善巧 方便, 無量廣 大願 ; 我若 一劫, 若 一劫餘, 而廣說者, 劫可速盡, 彼佛 行願, 善巧 方便, 無有盡也! 爾時眾中, 有 一菩薩摩訶薩, 名曰救脫, 即從座起, 偏袒右肩, 右膝著 地, 曲躬合掌, 而白佛 言 : 大德世尊! 像法轉時, 有諸眾 生, 為種種患之所困厄, 長病羸瘦, 不能飲食, 喉脣乾燥, 見諸 方暗, 死相現前, 父母親屬 朋友知識, 啼泣圍繞 ; 然彼自身, 臥在本處, 見琰魔使, 引其神識, 至於琰魔法王之前 Ananda! These extremely profound practices of the Buddhas are difficult to believe in, difficult to understand. Yet you are now able to accept them. You should realize that this is all due to the marvelous power of the Tathagatas. Ananda! Even the sravakas, pratyekabuddhas, and bodhisattvas who have not reached the Ten Grounds cannot completely understand and believe in this truth. Only the bodhisattvas who are one lifetime away from Buddhahood can. Ananda! A human body is difficult to obtain; however, to believe in, respect, and honor the Triple Jewels is even more difficult. To hear the name of the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata is more difficult still. Ananda, the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata has cultivated countless bodhisattva practices, employed countless skillful means and made countless far-reaching vows. If I were to take a kalpa or more to recount them, the kalpa would come to an end before I could exhaustively describe all these practices, vows, and skillful means. At that time a great bodhisattva in the assembly, named Salvation, arose from his seat, bared his right shoulder, knelt on his right knee, joined his palms, respectfully bowed and addressed the Buddha: Venerable World Honored One, in the Dharma Semblance Age, there will be sentient beings who suffer numerous calamities, who are always sick and emaciated, unable to eat or drink, whose throats are dry and lips are parched, whose eyes see darkness everywhere. As the signs of death appear, they are surrounded by parents, family, friends, and acquaintances, weeping and lamenting. As such a patient lies in bed, he sees the messengers of Yama arrive to lead his consciousness before this King of Justice.!25

26 然諸有情, 有俱 生神, 隨其所作, 若罪若福, 皆具書之, 盡持授與琰魔法王 爾時彼王, 推問其 人, 算計所作, 隨其罪福, 而處斷之 時彼病 人, 親屬知識, 若能為彼, 歸依世尊藥師琉璃光如來, 請諸眾僧, 轉讀此經, 然七層之燈, 懸五 色續命神幡, 或有是處, 彼識得還, 如在夢中, 明了自見 或經七日, 或 二 十 一日, 或三 十五日, 或四 十九日, 彼識還時, 如從夢覺, 皆自憶知, 善不善業, 所得果報 ; 由自證見業果報故, 乃 至命難, 亦不造作諸惡之業 是故淨信善男 子, 善 女 人等, 皆應受持, 藥師琉璃光如來名號, 隨 力所能, 恭敬供養 爾時阿難問救脫菩薩 言 : 善男 子! 應云何恭敬供養, 彼世尊藥師琉璃光如來? 續命幡燈, 復云何造? 救脫菩薩 言 : 大德! 若有病 人, 欲脫病苦, 當為其 人, 七日七夜, 受持 八分齋戒 應以飲食, 及餘資具, 隨 力所辦, 供養苾芻僧 晝夜六時, 禮拜供養, 彼世尊藥師琉璃光如來 讀誦此經四 十九遍, Now, all sentients beings have accompanying spirits who record everything they do, both their transgressions and their merits. These spirits then present the patient s entire record to King Yama. At that time, the King questions the dying person and tabulates his good and bad karma before deciding upon his fate. If, at that point, the relatives and acquaintances of the patient are able to take refuge in the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, on his behalf, invite monks and nuns to recite this sutra, light seven-tiered lamps and hang five-colored longevity banners, his consciousness may return then and there, as if seeing himself clearly in a dream. Or else, after seven, twenty-one, thirty-five, or forty-nine days, when his consciousness returns, as if awakening from a dream, he will recall his good and bad karma and the consequences thereof. Having personally witnessed the consequences of karma, he will refrain from creating evil karma, even if his life were in danger. Therefore, men and women of pure faith should uphold the name of the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, venerate and make offerings to him according to their capacity. Ananda then asked the Bodhisattva Salvation: Good Man, how should we venerate and make offerings to the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, and how should we make the longevity pennants and lamps? Bodhisattva Salvation replied: Virtuous One, in order to help the patient recover, you should adhere to the Eight Precepts for seven days and seven nights, make offerings of food, drink and other necessities to monks and nuns in accordance with your means, You should pay homage and make offerings to the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata from day to night and recite this sutra forty-nine times.!26

27 !27

28 然四 十九燈 ; 造彼如來形像七軀桀, 一 一像前, 各置七燈, 一 一燈量, 大如 Zhe 車輪, 乃 至四 十九日, 光明不絕 造五 色綵幡, 長四 十九扌 手, 應放雜類眾 生, 至四 十九, 可得過度危厄之難, 不為諸橫惡鬼所持 復次, 阿難! 若剎帝利 灌頂王等, 災難起時, 所謂 : 人眾疾疫難, 他國侵逼難, 自界叛逆難, 星宿變怪難, 日月薄蝕難, 非時風雨難, 過時不雨難 彼剎帝利, 灌頂王等, 爾時應於 一切有情, 起慈悲 心, 赦諸繫閉 依前所說, 供養之法, 供養彼世尊藥師琉璃光如來 由此善根, 及彼如來本願 力故, 令其國界, 即得安隱, 風雨順時, 穀稼成熟, 一切有情, 無病歡樂 於其國中, 無有暴惡, 藥叉等神, 惱有情者, 一切惡相, 皆即隱沒 ; 而剎帝利, 灌頂王等, 壽命 色 力, 無病自在, 皆得增益 阿難! 若帝后妃主, 儲君王 子, 大臣輔相, 中宮采 女, 百官黎庶, 為病所苦, 及餘厄難 ; 亦應造立, 五 色神幡, 然燈續明, 放諸 生命, 散雜 色華, 燒眾名香 ; 病得除愈, 眾難解脫 You should light forty-nine lamps; make seven images of the Medicine Buddha and place seven lamps before each image, each lamp as large as a wheel, letting them burn continuously for fortynine days and nights. You should also make multi-colored banners, forty-nine hand-lengths long. Futhermore, you should release forty-nine species of animals. The patient may then escape danger and will not be under the sway of evil demons, nor subject to untimely death. Moreover, Ananda, when the anointed ksatriya kings find themselves beset by calamities, such as epidemics, foreign invasion, internal insurrection, an adverse alignment of the stars, an eclipse of the sun or moon, unseasonable storms or a failure of the monsoons, the anointed ksatriya kings should develop compassion toward all sentient beings. They should also pardon prisoners, and in accordance with the rites described earlier, make offerings to the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata. Thanks to these good roots and the power of the Medicine Buddha s original vows, peace and stability will soon return to the countries; the rains and winds will be favorable; crops will mature on time and everyone will be healthy and happy. The country will be free of evil yaksas who are out to harm the populace. All the evil omens will immediately disappear, and these anointed ksatriya kings will enjoy greater longevity and vitality, finer appearance as well as greater health and freedom than ever before. Ananda, the queens, consorts, princesses, royal heirs, great ministers, court ladies, officials, or commoners suffer disease and other misfortunes should also make offerings to the Medicine Buddha. They should make five-colored longevity banners, light lamps, ensuring that they burn continuously, free different kinds of animals, scatter flowers of various colors, and burn assorted premium incense. They will then recover from disease and escape misfortune.!28

29 !29

30 爾時, 阿難問救脫菩薩 言 : 善男 子! 云何已盡之命, 而可增益? 救脫菩薩 言 : 大德! 汝豈不聞如來說有九橫死耶? 是故勸造續命幡燈, 修諸福德, 以修福故, 盡其壽命, 不經苦患 阿難問 言 : 九橫云何? 救脫菩薩 言 : 若諸有情, 得病雖輕, 然無醫藥, 及看病者, 設復遇醫, 授以非藥, 實不應死, 而便橫死 又信世間邪魔外道, 妖孽之師, 妄說禍福, 便 生恐動, 心不自正, 卜問覓禍, 殺種種眾 生, 解奏神明, 呼諸魍魎, 請乞福祐, 欲冀延年, 終不能得 愚癡迷惑, 信邪倒見, 遂令橫死, 入於地獄, 無有出期, 是名初橫 二者橫被王法之所誅戮 三者畋獵嬉戲, 耽淫嗜酒, 放逸無度, 橫為非 人奪其精氣 四者橫為 火焚 五者橫為 水溺 六者橫為種種惡獸所噉 七者橫墮 山崖 八者橫為毒藥魘禱咒詛 起屍鬼等之所中害 九者饑渴所困, 不得飲食, 而便橫死 是為如來略說橫死, 有此九種, 其餘復有無量諸橫, 難可具說! Then Ananda asked Bodhisattva Salvation: Good Man, how can an expiring life-span be lengthened? Bodhisattva Salvation replied: Venerable, have you not heard the Tathagata speak of the nine forms of untimely death? Therefore I urge everyone to make longevity banners and lamps and cultivate merits. Thanks to such cultivation, they will escape suffering and misfortune throughout their lives. Ananda further asked: What are the nine forms of untimely death? Bodhisattva Salvation replied: Some sentient beings contract a minor illness which goes untreated for lack of a physician or medicine; or, even though there is a physician, he prescribes the wrong medicine, causing premature death. Or, the patients, believing the false pronouncement of earthly demons, heretics or practitioners of black magic, may panic and fear, unable to calm their minds. They may then engage in divination or perform animal sacrifices in order to propitiate the spirits, praying for blessings or hoping to extend their lives. These are all in vain. Through ignorance, confusion, and reliance on wrong, deluded views, they meet with untimely death and sink into the hells, with no end in sight. This is the first form of untimely death. The second form is execution by royal decree. The third is, through hunting, debauchery, alcohol abuse, extreme dissipation, or, their vital energy is sapped by non-humans. The fourth is death by fire. The fifth is death by drowning. The sixth is being devoured by savage beasts. The seventh is falling off a mountain or a cliff. The eighth is death by poison, incantations, evil mantras, or demons revived from the dead. The ninth is from hunger or thirst, for lack of food and water. These are the nine forms of untimely death briefed by the Tathagatas. There are also countless other forms, which are too numerous to describe.!30

31 !31

32 復次, 阿難! 彼琰魔王主領世間, 名籍之記, 若諸有情, 不孝五逆, 破辱 三寶, 壞君臣法, 毀於信戒, 琰魔法王, 隨罪輕重, 考 而罰之 是故我今 勸諸有情, 然燈造幡, 放 生修福, 令度苦厄, 不遭眾難 爾時, 眾中有 十 二藥叉 大將, 俱在會坐, 所謂 : 宮毘羅 大將伐折羅 大將迷企羅 大將 安底羅 大將頞儞羅 大將珊底羅 大將 Ni 因達羅 大將波夷羅 大將摩虎羅 大將 真達羅 大將招杜羅 大將毘羯羅 大將 此 十 二藥叉 大將, 一 一各有七千藥叉, 以為眷屬 同時舉聲白佛 言 : 世尊! 我等今者, 蒙佛威 力, 得聞世尊藥師琉璃光如來名號, 不復更有惡趣之怖 我等相率, 皆同 一 心, 乃 至盡形, 歸佛法僧, 誓當荷負 一切有情, 為作義利, 饒益安樂 隨於何等, 村城國 邑, 空閑林中, 若有流布此經, 或復受持藥師琉璃光如來名號恭敬供養者, 我等眷屬, 衛護是 人, 皆使解脫 一切苦難, 諸有願求, 悉令滿 足 或有疾厄, 求度脫者, 亦應讀誦此經, 以五 色縷, 結我名字, 得如願已, 然後解結 Moreover, Ananda, King Yama is responsible for keeping the karmic register of everyone in the world. If sentient beings have not been filial, have committed the Five Cardinal Sins, disparaged the Triple Jewels, broken the laws of the land, or violated the major precepts, King Yama will mete out punishment according to the infraction. Therefore, I urge sentient beings to light lamps, make banners, free animals, and cultivate merits in order to avoid suffering and misfortune. At that time, there were twelve powerful yaksa generals in the great assembly named: General Kumbhira, General Vajra, General Mihira, General Andira, General Anila, General Sandila, General Indra, General Pajra, General Makura, General Sindura, General Catura; and General Vikarala. Each was accompanied by a retinue of 7,000 yaksas. They all raised their voices in unison and said respectfully to the Buddha: World Honored One, thanks to the Buddha s marvelous power, now we have heard the name of the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata and no longer fear descending onto the wretched destinies. Together, with one-mind, we take refuge in the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Sangha for the rest of our lives, and pledge to support all sentient beings, bringing them genuine benefits and joy. Whether in villages, towns, kingdoms or the wilderness, if people ciculate this!32

33 sutra, or uphold the name of the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, and venerate or make offerings to him, we will protect them, so they will be released from all sufferings and calamities and have their wishes fulfilled. If those afflicted by disease or calamity wish for salvation, they should also recite this sutra. They should tie five-colored strands with our names on them and untie them when their wishes are fulfilled.!33

34 爾時, 世尊讚諸藥叉 大將 言 : 善哉! 善哉! 大藥叉將! 汝等念報世 尊藥師琉璃光如來恩德者, 常應如是, 利益安樂, 一切有情 爾時, 阿難白佛 言 : 世尊! 當何名此法門? 我等云何奉持? 佛告阿難 : 此法門名說藥師琉璃光如來本願功德 ; 亦名說 十 二神將饒益有情結願神咒 ; 亦名拔除 一切業障 ; 應如是持! 時薄伽梵, 說是語已, 諸菩薩摩訶薩, 及 大聲聞, 國王 大臣 婆羅門 居 士 天龍 藥叉 揵達縛 阿素洛 揭路荼 緊捺洛 莫呼洛伽 人非 人等, 一切 大眾, 聞佛所說, 皆 大歡喜, 信受奉 行 藥師琉璃光如來本願功德經!34

35 Thereupon, the Buddha praised the great yaksa generals with these words: Very well, very well, great yaksa generals! Those of you who wish to repay the benevolence and the virtues of the World Honored Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata, should always benefit and bring joy to all sentient beings in this way. Ananda then asked the Buddha: World Honored One, what should we call this teaching, and how should we follow and uphold it? The Buddha replied to Ananda: This teaching is called the Expounding the Original Vows and the Merits of the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata or Expounding the Divine Mantra of the Vows of the Twelve Yaksa Generals to Benefit Sentient Beings or Eradicating of All Karmic Obstacles. You should uphold it as such. When the Bhagavan had spoken this sutra, the great bodhisattvas, as well as the great sravakas, kings, ministers, Brahmins, laypersons, devas, nagas, yaksas, grandharvas, asuras, garudas, kinnaras, mahoragas, and other human and non-human beings, were all filled with immense joy; they accepted and followed the teaching faithfully. The Sutra On The Original Vows And Merits Of The Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata!35

36 Seven Buddhas Dispelling Iniquity Mantra 七佛滅罪真 言 離婆離婆帝求訶求訶帝 陀羅尼帝尼訶囉帝毗黎你帝 摩訶伽帝真陵乾帝莎婆訶 ( 三稱 ) (3 times) Medicine Buddha Initiation Mantra 藥師灌頂真言 南無薄伽伐帝鞞殺社窶嚕薜琉璃 Mo 缽喇婆喝囉闍也怛他揭多也 阿囉喝帝三藐三勃陀耶怛姪他唵鞞殺逝鞞殺逝鞞殺社三沒揭帝莎訶 ( 七稱 ) (7 times) Praise of Medicine Buddha 藥師讚!36

37 藥師佛延壽王 悲 心救苦降吉祥 光臨 水月壇場 免難消災障 懺悔眾等三世罪願祈福壽綿長 吉星 高照沐恩光 吉星 高照沐恩光 如意保安康 如意保安康 Medicine Buddha, king of enhancing longevity, radiantly descends upon the Moon-in-Water ceremonial platform. In your great compssion, you deliver suffering beings and shower blessings upon them, freeing them from adversities and calamities. We now repent our offences of the past, present, and future, and pray that our blessings and lifespan be greatly enhanced. The auspicious star shines high, imbuing us with its beneficent light, granting our wishes, insuring us peace and health. The auspicious star shines high, imbuing us with its beneficent light, granting our wishes, insuring us peace and health. Medicine Buddha Gatha 藥師偈 藥師如來琉璃光燄網莊嚴無等倫無邊 行願利有情各遂所求皆不退 The Lapis Lazuli Light Medicine Master Tathagata Incomparably magnificent in a mesh of blazing radiance. His boundless conducts and vows benefit all sentient beings. So their wishes are fulfilled and will never regress. 南無東 方淨琉璃世界消災延壽藥師佛 Mo Namo misfortune-dispelling and longevity-enhancing Medicine Buddha of the Eastern Pure Lapis Lazuli Land 南無消災延壽藥師佛 ( 三稱 ) Mo Namo misfortune-dispelling and longevity-enhancing Medicine Buddha (3 times) 南無日光遍照菩薩 ( 三稱 ) Mo Namo Bodhisattva of Universal Sunlight (3 times)!37

38 南無月光遍照菩薩 ( 三稱 ) Mo Namo Bodhisattva of Universal Moonlight (3 times) Gatha of Releasing Enmity 解冤偈 解結解結解冤結解了多 生冤和業洗 心滌慮發虔誠今對佛前求解結藥師佛藥師佛消災延壽藥師佛隨 心滿願藥師佛 Release, release, release the bonds of enmity. Remove the enmity and karma of many lifetimes. Cleanse the mind, free it from worries, and generate sincerity. Before the Buddha I now pray to release my bonds. Medicine Buddha, Medicine Buddha, misfortune-dispelling and longevity-enhancing Medicine Buddha Wish-fulfilling Medicine Buddha 佛光注照 Dedication of Merits 本命元辰 災星退度福星臨九曜保長 生 運限和平 福壽永康寧 回向偈 南無增福壽菩薩摩訶薩 ( 三稱 )(3 times) Mo The light of the Buddha illuminates the Birth Star. Stars of misfortune recede and stars of blessing arrive. The Nine Stars insure longevity, bringing good fortune and peace. May we always have a life of blessings, health, and peacefulness. Namo Bodhisattva Mahasattva of enhancing blessing and longevity (3 times)!38

39 Dedication of Merits 回向偈 四 生九有同登華藏 玄門 八難三途共 入毗廬性海 May all beings of the four births and in the nine realms Ascend together to the door of the Wondrous Buddha s World. May those with the eight woes and born in the three lowest states Flow together into the sea of Vairochana s nature. Three Refuges 三皈依 自皈依佛當願眾 生體解 大道發無上 心 自皈依法當願眾 生深 入經藏智慧如海 自皈依僧當願眾 生統理 大眾 一切無礙和南聖眾 I take refuge in the Buddha, may all sentient beings, understand the Great Way profoundly, and bring forth the bodhi mind. I take refuge in the Dharma, may all sentient beings, Deeply enter the sutra treasury, and have wisdom vast as the sea. I take refuge in the Sangha, may all sentient beings, Form together a great assembly, one and all in harmony.!39

40 !40

41 Dedication of Merits 回向偈 願消三障諸煩惱願得智慧真明了普願罪障悉消除世世常 行菩薩道 May I remove the Three Obstructions and all afflictions, May I have the wisdom to perceive the Truth, May all beings be free of transgression and suffering, I vow to practice the bodhisattva way, life after life. 誦經功德殊勝 行無邊勝福皆迴向普願沉溺諸有情速往無量光佛剎 十 方三世 一切佛 一切菩薩摩訶薩摩訶般若波羅蜜 Dedication of Merits 回向偈 What a wonderful blessing to recite this sutra. Let us dedicate the superb and limitless merits To all floundering and struggling sentient beings; May they soon reach the Buddha Land of Infinite Light. Buddhas of the past, present and future in all the worlds, All Bodhisattvas and Mahasattvas, Maha-prajna-paramita.!41

42 中台禪寺 CHUNG TAI CHAN MONASTERY 台灣南投縣埔里鎮 一新里中台路 一號 1 Chung Tai Road, Puli, Nantou, Taiwan 545, R.O.C. Phone: [email protected] 寶林禪寺 Bao Lin Chan Monastery 94A High Street Glen Iris Vic 3146 Australia Tel: Fax: [email protected]