從地踊出品第十五
CHAPTER FIFTEEN: Emerging from the Earth
爾時他方國土諸來菩薩摩訶薩，過八恒河沙數，於大眾中起立，合掌作禮而白佛言：「世尊！若聽我等，於佛滅後，在此娑婆世界，懃加精進，護持、讀誦、書寫、供養是經典者，當於此土而廣說之。」
At that time, bodhisattva-mahāsattvas from other lands, numbering more than the sands of eight Ganges rivers, stood up in the great assembly, joined their palms, bowed respectfully and said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One! If you allow us, after the Buddha's extinction, in this Sahā world, we will diligently and vigorously protect, uphold, read, recite, write, and make offerings to this sutra, and extensively expound it in this land."
爾時佛告諸菩薩摩訶薩眾：「止，善男子！不須汝等護持此經。所以者何？我娑婆世界自有六萬恒河沙等菩薩摩訶薩，一一菩薩各有六萬恒河沙眷屬，是諸人等，能於我滅後，護持、讀誦、廣說此經。」
At that time, the Buddha said to the assembly of bodhisattva-mahāsattvas, "Stop, Kulaputra! There is no need for you to protect this sutra. Why? In my Sahā world, there are already bodhisattva-mahāsattvas equal in number to the sands of sixty thousand Ganges rivers. Each of these bodhisattvas has a retinue equal to the sands of sixty thousand Ganges rivers. These beings will be able to protect, read, recite, and widely expound this sutra after my extinction."
佛說是時，娑婆世界三千大千國土地皆震裂，而於其中，有無量千萬億菩薩摩訶薩同時踊出。是諸菩薩，身皆金色，三十二相，無量光明，先盡在此娑婆世界之下、此界虛空中住。是諸菩薩，聞釋迦牟尼佛所說音聲，從下發來。一一菩薩皆是大眾唱導之首，各將六萬恒河沙眷屬；況將五萬、四萬、三萬、二萬、一萬恒河沙等眷屬者；況復乃至一恒河沙、半恒河沙、四分之一、乃至千萬億那由他分之一；況復千萬億那由他眷屬；況復億萬眷屬；況復千萬、百萬、乃至一萬；況復一千、一百、乃至一十；況復將五、四、三、二、一弟子者；況復單己，樂遠離行。如是等比，無量無邊，算數譬喻所不能知。
When the Buddha said this, the ground of the three-thousand great thousand Sahā world-system quaked and split, and from within it emerged countless thousands of millions of bodhisattva-mahāsattvas simultaneously. These bodhisattvas all had golden-colored bodies, the thirty-two characteristics, and limitless light. They had all been dwelling in the space below this Sahā world. These bodhisattvas, hearing the voice of Śākyamuni Buddha, came from below. Each bodhisattva was a leader of a great assembly, each bringing a retinue equal to the sands of sixty thousand Ganges rivers. Moreover, there were those with retinues equal to the sands of fifty thousand, forty thousand, thirty thousand, twenty thousand, or ten thousand Ganges rivers. Or there were those with retinues equal to as few as the sands of one Ganges river, half a Ganges river, one-fourth of a Ganges river, and so on down to one thousandth millionth of a nayuta of a Ganges river. Or there were those with thousands of millions of nayutas of followers, or millions of followers, or hundreds of thousands of followers, or tens of thousands of followers, or thousands of followers, or hundreds of followers, or tens of followers. Or there were those with five, four, three, or two disciples. Or there were pratyekabuddhas, delighting in remote practice, who came alone, Thus were they, immeasurable, boundless, beyond calculation or analogy.
是諸菩薩從地出已，各詣虛空七寶妙塔多寶如來、釋迦牟尼佛所。到已，向二世尊頭面禮足，及至諸寶樹下師子座上佛所，亦皆作禮，右繞三匝，合掌恭敬，以諸菩薩種種讚法而以讚歎，住在一面，欣樂瞻仰於二世尊。是諸菩薩摩訶薩，從初踊出，以諸菩薩種種讚法而讚於佛，如是時間，經五十小劫。是時釋迦牟尼佛默然而坐，及諸四眾亦皆默然五十小劫；佛神力故，令諸大眾謂如半日。
After these bodhisattvas emerged from the ground, they each went to the seven-jeweled stupa in the sky where Prabhūtaratna Tathāgata and Śākyamuni Buddha were. Upon arrival, they bowed their heads to the feet of the two World-Honored Ones. They also paid homage to all the Buddhas seated on lion thrones under jeweled trees, circumambulating them three times to the right, joining their palms respectfully, and praising them with various bodhisattva praises. Then they stood to one side, joyfully gazing upon the two World-Honored Ones.
From the time these bodhisattva-mahāsattvas first emerged, they spent fifty small kalpas praising the Buddha with various bodhisattva praises. During this time, Śākyamuni Buddha sat in silence, and the fourfold assembly also remained silent for fifty small kalpas. Due to the Buddha's supernatural power, the great assembly perceived this as only half a day.
爾時四眾，亦以佛神力故，見諸菩薩遍滿無量百千萬億國土虛空。是菩薩眾中有四導師：一名上行，二名無邊行，三名淨行，四名安立行。是四菩薩，於其眾中最為上首唱導之師，在大眾前，各共合掌，觀釋迦牟尼佛而問訊言：「世尊！少病、少惱，安樂行不？所應度者，受教易不？不令世尊生疲勞耶？」
At that time, the fourfold assembly, also by the Buddha's supernatural power, saw the bodhisattvas filling the space of countless hundreds of thousands of millions of lands. Among this assembly of bodhisattvas were four leaders: the first named Viśiṣṭākāritra (Superior Practice), the second named Anantakāritra (Boundless Practice), the third named Viśuddhakāritra (Pure Practice), and the fourth named Supratiṣṭhitakāritra (Steadfast Practice). These four bodhisattvas were the foremost leaders and teachers in the assembly. In front of the great multitude, they pressed their palms together, gazed at Śākyamuni Buddha, and respectfully inquired, "World-Honored One, do you have few ailments and few troubles? Are you practicing in peace and comfort? Are those who should be saved receptive to the teachings? Do they not cause the World-Honored One to become weary?"
爾時四大菩薩而說偈言：
At that time, the four great bodhisattvas spoke in verse saying:
世尊安樂， 少病少惱， 教化眾生， 得無疲惓。
World-Honored One, are you at ease, With few illnesses and troubles? In teaching and transforming beings, Are you free from weariness?
又諸眾生， 受化易不？ 不令世尊， 生疲勞耶？
And are the sentient beings Easily receptive to your teachings? Do they not cause the World-Honored One To become fatigued?
爾時世尊，於菩薩大眾中而作是言：「如是，如是！諸善男子！如來安樂，少病、少惱；諸眾生等，易可化度，無有疲勞。所以者何？是諸眾生，世世已來常受我化，亦於過去諸佛供養尊重，種諸善根。此諸眾生，始見我身，聞我所說，即皆信受入如來慧；除先修習學小乘者。如是之人，我今亦令得聞是經，入於佛慧。」
At that time, the World-Honored One spoke thus to the great assembly of bodhisattvas, "So it is, so it is! Kulaputra! The Tathāgata is at ease, with few illnesses and troubles. All sentient beings are easily transformed and taught, without causing fatigue. Why is this? These sentient beings have constantly received my teachings life after life, and they have also made offerings and paid reverence to past Buddhas, planting various roots of goodness. These sentient beings, upon first seeing my body and hearing my teachings, immediately believe, accept, and enter the Tathāgata's wisdom; except for those who have previously practiced and studied the Lesser Vehicle. For such people, I now also enable them to hear this sutra and enter the Buddha's wisdom."
爾時諸大菩薩而說偈言：
At that time, the great bodhisattvas spoke these verses:
善哉善哉！ 大雄世尊！ 諸眾生等， 易可化度。
Excellent, excellent! Great Hero, World-Honored One! All sentient beings Are easily transformed and taught.
能問諸佛， 甚深智慧， 聞已信行， 我等隨喜。」
Able to inquire of the Buddhas About their profound wisdom, Hearing it, they believe and practice. We rejoice in this."
於時世尊讚歎上首諸大菩薩：「善哉，善哉！善男子！汝等能於如來發隨喜心。」
Thereupon, the World-Honored One praised the foremost great bodhisattvas, saying, "Excellent, excellent! Kulaputras! You are able to feel joy in the Tathāgata."
爾時彌勒菩薩及八千恒河沙諸菩薩眾，皆作是念：「我等從昔已來，不見不聞如是大菩薩摩訶薩眾，從地踊出，住世尊前，合掌、供養，問訊如來。」
At that time, Maitreya Bodhisattva and the assembly of bodhisattvas as numerous as the sands of eight thousand Ganges rivers all thought, "From the past until now, we have never seen or heard of such a great assembly of bodhisattva-mahāsattvas emerging from the ground, standing before the World-Honored One, joining their palms, making offerings, and inquiring after the Tathāgata."
時彌勒菩薩摩訶薩，知八千恒河沙諸菩薩等心之所念，并欲自決所疑，合掌向佛，以偈問曰：
Then Maitreya Bodhisattva-mahāsattva, knowing the thoughts in the minds of the bodhisattvas as numerous as the sands of eight thousand Ganges rivers, and also wishing to resolve his own doubts, joined his palms towards the Buddha and asked in verse:
無量千萬億， 大眾諸菩薩， 昔所未曾見， 願兩足尊說， 是從何所來， 以何因緣集？
Countless thousands of millions, A great assembly of bodhisattvas, Never seen before, We wish the Honored One of the Two Feeted to explain, Where have they come from, Why have they gathered?
巨身大神通， 智慧叵思議， 其志念堅固， 有大忍辱力， 眾生所樂見， 為從何所來？
With huge bodies, great supernatural powers, And inconceivable wisdom, Their resolve and mindfulness firm, With great power of patience, Beings delight in seeing them, Where have they come from?
一一諸菩薩， 所將諸眷屬， 其數無有量， 如恒河沙等。
Each of these bodhisattvas, And the retinues they bring, Their numbers are immeasurable, Like the sands of the Ganges.
或有大菩薩， 將六萬恒沙， 如是諸大眾， 一心求佛道。
There are some great bodhisattvas Along with six thousand Ganges sands Of such great assemblies, Single-mindedly in search of the Buddha Way.
是諸大師等， 六萬恒河沙， 俱來供養佛， 及護持是經。
These great teachers, Sixty thousand Ganges sands in number, Have all come to make offerings to the Buddha, And to protect this sutra.
將五萬恒沙， 其數過於是。 四萬及三萬、 二萬至一萬，
Those accompanied by fifty thousand Ganges sands, Their numbers exceeds even this. Forty thousand and thirty thousand, Twenty thousand to ten thousand,
一千一百等， 乃至一恒沙、 半及三四分， 億萬分之一，
One thousand, one hundred, and so on, Down to a single Gangetic sand, Half of that, or three-fourths, A billionth of it,
千萬那由他， 萬億諸弟子， 乃至於半億， 其數復過上。
Thousands of millions of nayutas of parts, Tens of billions of disciples, Down to half a billion, Their number exceeds even that.
百萬至一萬， 一千及一百， 五十與一十， 乃至三二一，
From a million to ten thousand, A thousand, to a hundred, Fifty and ten, Down to three, two, or one [disciple],
單己無眷屬， 樂於獨處者， 俱來至佛所， 其數轉過上。
And those alone without retinues, Who delight in solitude, All come to where the Buddha is, Their numbers surpassing the above.
如是諸大眾， 若人行籌數， 過於恒沙劫， 猶不能盡知。
If someone were to count these great assemblies, Even after kalpas as numerous as Ganges sands, They still could not fully know their number.
是諸大威德， 精進菩薩眾， 誰為其說法， 教化而成就？
These great and majestic, Diligent assemblies of bodhisattvas, Who taught them the Dharma, And who guided them to accomplishment?
從誰初發心？ 稱揚何佛法？ 受持行誰經？ 修習何佛道？
From whom did they first generate bodhicitta? What Buddha's teachings do they praise? Whose sutras do they uphold and practice? What Buddha's path do they cultivate?
如是諸菩薩， 神通大智力， 四方地震裂， 皆從中踊出。
These bodhisattvas, With great supernatural powers and wisdom, The earth quaking and splitting in four directions, All emerged from within.
世尊我昔來， 未曾見是事， 願說其所從， 國土之名號。
World-Honored One, since ancient times, I have never seen such a thing. Please explain where they come from, And the names of their lands.
我常遊諸國， 未曾見是眾， 我於此眾中， 乃不識一人， 忽然從地出， 願說其因緣。
I often travel to various countries, But have never seen such an assembly. Among this multitude, I do not recognize a single one. Suddenly emerging from the ground, Please explain the reason for this.
今此之大會， 無量百千億， 是諸菩薩等， 皆欲知此事。
Now in this great assembly, Countless hundreds of thousands of millions, These bodhisattvas All wish to know about this matter.
是諸菩薩眾， 本末之因緣， 無量德世尊， 唯願決眾疑。」
For these multitudes of bodhisattvas, The causes and conditions from beginning to end, World-Honored One of immeasurable virtue, We only wish you to resolve everyone's doubts.
爾時釋迦牟尼分身諸佛，從無量千萬億他方國土來者，在於八方諸寶樹下，師子座上，結加趺坐。其佛侍者，各各見是菩薩大眾，於三千大千世界四方，從地踊出，住於虛空。各白其佛言：「世尊！此諸無量無邊阿僧祇菩薩大眾，從何所來？」
At that time, the various division-body Buddhas of Śākyamuni, who had come from immeasurable thousands of millions of other lands, were seated cross-legged on lion thrones under jeweled trees in the eight directions. Their Buddha attendants, each seeing this great assembly of bodhisattvas emerging from the ground in the four directions of the three-thousand-great-thousand world and dwelling in the air, said to their respective Buddhas, "World-Honored One! Where have these immeasurable, boundless, incalculable great multitudes of bodhisattvas come from?"
爾時諸佛各告侍者：「諸善男子！且待須臾，有菩薩摩訶薩，名曰彌勒——釋迦牟尼佛之所授記，次後作佛——以問斯事，佛今答之，汝等自當因是得聞。」
At that time, the Buddhas each told their attendants, "Kulaputras! Wait a moment. There is a bodhisattva-mahāsattva named Maitreya - who has received a prediction from Śākyamuni Buddha to be the next Buddha - who will ask about this matter. The Buddha will now answer him, and you will be able to hear it because of this."
爾時釋迦牟尼佛告彌勒菩薩：「善哉，善哉！阿逸多！乃能問佛如是大事。汝等當共一心，被精進鎧，發堅固意，如來今欲顯發宣示諸佛智慧、諸佛自在神通之力、諸佛師子奮迅之力、諸佛威猛大勢之力。」
At that time, Śākyamuni Buddha said to Bodhisattva Maitreya, "Excellent, excellent! Ajita! That you are able to ask the Buddha about such a great matter. You should all with one mind put on the armor of vīrya and bring forth a firm resolve. The Tathāgata now wishes to reveal and proclaim the wisdom of the Buddhas, the self-mastered spiritual powers of the Buddhas, the lion-like forceful power of the Buddhas, and the great mighty power of the Buddhas."
爾時世尊欲重宣此義，而說偈言：
At that time, the World-Honored One, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses saying:
當精進一心， 我欲說此事， 勿得有疑悔， 佛智叵思議。
You should be diligent and single-minded, I wish to speak of this matter. Do not have doubts or regrets, The Buddha's wisdom is inconceivable.
汝今出信力， 住於忍善中， 昔所未聞法， 今皆當得聞。
Now bring forth the power of faith, Abide in patience and goodness. The Dharma you have not heard before, You will now all be able to hear.
我今安慰汝， 勿得懷疑懼， 佛無不實語， 智慧不可量。
I now comfort you, Do not harbor doubts or fears. The Buddha never speaks falsely, His wisdom is immeasurable.
所得第一法， 甚深叵分別， 如是今當說， 汝等一心聽。」
The supreme Dharma that is attained, Is profound and difficult to discern. I will now explain it thus, All of you listen with one mind.
爾時世尊說此偈已，告彌勒菩薩：「我今於此大眾，宣告汝等。阿逸多！是諸大菩薩摩訶薩，無量無數阿僧祇，從地踊出，汝等昔所未見者，我於是娑婆世界得阿耨多羅三藐三菩提已，教化示導是諸菩薩，調伏其心，令發道意。此諸菩薩，皆於是娑婆世界之下、此界虛空中住；於諸經典，讀誦通利，思惟分別，正憶念。阿逸多！是諸善男子等，不樂在眾多有所說；常樂靜處，懃行精進未曾休息；亦不依止人天而住。常樂深智，無有障礙，亦常樂於諸佛之法，一心精進，求無上慧。」
At that time, after the World-Honored One had spoken these verses, he addressed Bodhisattva Maitreya, "I now declare to you and this great assembly. Ajita! These great bodhisattva-mahāsattvas, innumerable and incalculable, who have emerged from the earth, are those whom I have taught and guided since attaining anuttara-samyak-sambodhi in this Sahā world. I have tamed their minds and caused them to aspire to the Way. These bodhisattvas have been dwelling in the space below this Sahā world. They have read and recited the sutras until they have memorized them, pondered their meaning, and correctly kept them in mind. Ajita! These good men do not take pleasure in dwelling among the crowds and speaking much. They always prefer quiet places and diligently practice with vīrya, never resting. They do not dwell among humans and heavenly beings. They always take delight in profound wisdom, without hindrance. They also always delight in the dharmas of the Buddhas, and with single-minded diligence seek supreme wisdom."
爾時世尊欲重宣此義，而說偈言：
At that time, the World-Honored One, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses saying:
阿逸汝當知！ 是諸大菩薩， 從無數劫來， 修習佛智慧，
Ajita, you should know! These great bodhisattvas, For countless kalpas, Have practiced the Buddha's wisdom.
悉是我所化， 令發大道心。 此等是我子， 依止是世界，
All of them were taught by me, And inspired to seek the great Way. These are my children, Dwelling in this world.
常行頭陀事， 志樂於靜處， 捨大眾憒閙， 不樂多所說。
They constantly practice austerities, Delighting in quiet places. Abandoning the noise of great crowds, They do not enjoy much talk.
如是諸子等， 學習我道法， 晝夜常精進， 為求佛道故， 在娑婆世界， 下方空中住。
These children of mine Learn and practice my Way. Day and night they diligently strive, For the sake of seeking the Buddha Way. In the Saha world, They dwell in the space below.
志念力堅固， 常懃求智慧， 說種種妙法， 其心無所畏。
Their resolve and mindfulness are firm, Always diligently seeking wisdom. They expound various wondrous dharmas, Their hearts without fear.
我於伽耶城， 菩提樹下坐， 得成最正覺， 轉無上法輪。
In the city of Gaya, Seated beneath the Bodhi tree, I attained supreme enlightenment, And turned the unsurpassed Dharma wheel.
爾乃教化之， 令初發道心， 今皆住不退， 悉當得成佛。
Then I taught them, Causing them to first generate bodhicitta. Now they all abide in non-retrogression, And will all certainly attain Buddhahood.
我今說實語， 汝等一心信， 我從久遠來， 教化是等眾。
I now speak truthful words, You should all believe single-mindedly. From long ago until now, I have been teaching these multitudes.
爾時，彌勒菩薩摩訶薩及無數諸菩薩等，心生疑惑，怪未曾有，而作是念：「云何世尊於少時間、教化如是無量無邊阿僧祇諸大菩薩，令住阿耨多羅三藐三菩提？」即白佛言：「世尊！如來為太子時，出於釋宮，去伽耶城不遠，坐於道場，得成阿耨多羅三藐三菩提。從是已來，始過四十餘年。世尊！云何於此少時，大作佛事，以佛勢力、以佛功德，教化如是無量大菩薩眾，當成阿耨多羅三藐三菩提？
At that time, Bodhisattva-Mahāsattva Maitreya and countless other bodhisattvas gave rise to doubt and perplexity in their minds, considering this unprecedented. They thought, "How is it that the World-Honored One, in such a short time, has taught and transformed such immeasurable, boundless, incalculable great bodhisattvas, causing them to abide in anuttara-samyak-sambodhi?" They immediately addressed the Buddha saying, "World-Honored One! When the Tathāgata was a prince, he left the Śākya palace, and not far from the city of Gayā, sat upon the site of enlightenment and attained anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. From that time until now, only a little over forty years have passed. World-Honored One! How is it that in this short time, you have done such great Buddha-work, using the Buddha's power and the Buddha's merit, to teach and transform such an immeasurable multitude of great bodhisattvas, who will attain anuttara-samyak-sambodhi?"
「世尊！此大菩薩眾，假使有人於千萬億劫數不能盡，不得其邊。斯等久遠已來，於無量無邊諸佛所，殖諸善根，成就菩薩道，常修梵行。世尊！如此之事，世所難信。譬如有人，色美髮黑，年二十五，指百歲人，言：『是我子。』其百歲人，亦指年少，言：『是我父，生育我等。』是事難信。佛亦如是，得道已來，其實未久，而此大眾諸菩薩等，已於無量千萬億劫，為佛道故，懃行精進，善入出住無量百千萬億三昧，得大神通，久修梵行，善能次第習諸善法，巧於問答，人中之寶，一切世間甚為希有。今日世尊方云：『得佛道時，初令發心，教化示導，令向阿耨多羅三藐三菩提。』世尊得佛未久，乃能作此大功德事。我等雖復信佛隨宜所說，佛所出言未曾虛妄，佛所知者皆悉通達。然諸新發意菩薩，於佛滅後，若聞是語，或不信受，而起破法罪業因緣。唯然，世尊！願為解說，除我等疑，及未來世諸善男子聞此事已，亦不生疑。」
"World-Honored One! This great assembly of bodhisattvas is so vast that even if someone were to count them for thousands of millions of kalpas, they could not finish, nor reach their limit. For a long time already, these bodhisattvas have been planting roots of goodness under countless Buddhas, perfecting the bodhisattva path, and constantly practicing pure conduct. World-Honored One! Such a thing is hard for the world to believe. It is like a handsome young man with black hair, twenty-five years old, pointing to a hundred-year-old person and saying, 'This is my child.' And the hundred-year-old person also pointing to the youth, saying, 'This is my father who begot and raised me.' This is hard to believe.
The Buddha is also like this. It has not been long since you attained the Way, yet this great assembly of bodhisattvas has already, for countless thousands of millions of kalpas, diligently practiced with vigor for the sake of the Buddha Way. They have skillfully entered, emerged from, and abided in countless hundreds of thousands of millions of billions of samādhis. They have attained great spiritual powers, long practiced pure conduct, and are well able to cultivate all good dharmas in proper sequence. They are skillful in questions and answers, jewels among humans, extremely rare in all the world.
Yet today the World-Honored One says, 'When I attained the Buddha Way, I first caused them to generate bodhicitta, teaching, transforming, and guiding them toward anuttara-samyak-sambodhi.' The World-Honored One has not been a Buddha for long, yet you have been able to accomplish this great meritorious deed. We believe that what the Buddha says is in accord with what is appropriate, that the Buddha's words have never been false, and that the Buddha's knowledge penetrates all. However, when newly resolved bodhisattvas hear these words after the Buddha's extinction, they may not believe or accept them, thereby creating the causes and conditions for the crime of destroying the Dharma. World-Honored One! We only wish that you would explain and remove our doubts, so that when good men in future ages hear of this matter, they also will not give rise to doubts."
爾時彌勒菩薩欲重宣此義，而說偈言：
At that time, Bodhisattva Maitreya, wishing to restate this meaning, spoke verses saying:
佛昔從釋種， 出家近伽耶， 坐於菩提樹， 爾來尚未久。
The Buddha, formerly a Śākyan, Left home near Gayā, Sat beneath the Bodhi tree, Since then, not long has passed.
此諸佛子等， 其數不可量， 久已行佛道， 住於神通力，
These children of the Buddha, Their number immeasurable, Have long practiced the Buddha's way, Abiding in spiritual powers.
善學菩薩道， 不染世間法， 如蓮華在水， 從地而踊出。
Well-versed in the bodhisattva path, Unstained by worldly dharmas, Like lotuses in water, They emerged from the ground.
皆起恭敬心， 住於世尊前。 是事難思議， 云何而可信？
All arose with reverent hearts, Standing before the World-Honored One. This matter is inconceivable, How can it be believed?
佛得道甚近， 所成就甚多， 願為除眾疑， 如實分別說。
The Buddha attained the Way so recently, Yet has accomplished so much. We wish you would remove the doubts of all, And explain in detail as it truly is.
譬如少壯人， 年始二十五， 示人百歲子， 髮白而面皺， 是等我所生； 子亦說是父。
It's like a young man, Just twenty-five years old, Pointing to a hundred-year-old person, With white hair and wrinkled face, Saying, "This is my offspring." The child, too, says he is the father.
父少而子老， 舉世所不信。 世尊亦如是， 得道來甚近。
Father young and child old, The world would not believe it. World-Honored One, you are also like this, Having attained the Way so recently.
是諸菩薩等， 志固無怯弱， 從無量劫來， 而行菩薩道，
These bodhisattvas, Their resolve firm and unwavering, For countless kalpas, Have practiced the bodhisattva path.
巧於難問答， 其心無所畏， 忍辱心決定， 端正有威德， 十方佛所讚。
Skillful in difficult questions and answers, Their hearts without fear, Their patience and resolve determined, Upright and dignified, Praised by Buddhas of the ten directions.
善能分別說， 不樂在人眾， 常好在禪定， 為求佛道故， 於下空中住。
Well able to differentiate and explain, They do not delight in crowds, Always preferring to be in meditation. For the sake of seeking the Buddha Way, They dwell in the space below.
我等從佛聞， 於此事無疑， 願佛為未來， 演說令開解。
We have heard this from the Buddha, And have no doubts about it. We wish the Buddha would explain for the future, To help them understand.
若有於此經， 生疑不信者， 即當墮惡道。
If there are those who, regarding this sutra, Give rise to doubts and disbelief, They will fall into evil paths.
願今為解說， 是無量菩薩， 云何於少時， 教化令發心， 而住不退地？」
We wish you would now explain, How these immeasurable bodhisattvas, In such a short time, Were taught and caused to generate bodhicitta, And to abide in the stage of non-retrogression?