往生因緣品第六
Chapter Six - Causes and Conditions of Future Rebirth
爾時尊者舍利弗白佛言：「世尊！菩薩摩訶薩以何因緣善根之力，於彼佛剎而得受生？」
At that time, Venerable Śāriputra said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One! Through what causes, conditions, and power of roots of goodness can bodhisattva-mahāsattvas be reborn in that buddha-field?"
佛告舍利弗：「若菩薩摩訶薩欲生妙喜世界者，應學不動如來往昔行菩薩行，發弘誓心願生其國，如是行願能作因緣生彼佛剎。
The Buddha told Śāriputra, "If bodhisattva-mahāsattvas wish to be born in the Land of Abhirati, they should learn from Tathāgata Akṣobhya's past bodhisattva practices, generate vast vows aspiring to be born in his land - such practices and vows can serve as causes and conditions for birth in that buddha-field.
「復次舍利弗！菩薩摩訶薩行檀波羅蜜時，以此相應善根迴向無上菩提，願與不動如來共相會遇，舍利弗！以此因緣當生彼界。如是菩薩摩訶薩行尸波羅蜜，乃至般若波羅蜜亦復如是。
Furthermore, Śāriputra! When bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practice dāna-pāramitā, they should transfer these corresponding roots of goodness toward supreme bodhi, wishing to meet with Tathāgata Akṣobhya. Śāriputra! Through these causes and conditions they will be born in that realm. The same applies when bodhisattva-mahāsattvas practice śīla-pāramitā up to prajñā-pāramitā.
「復次舍利弗！不動如來光明普照三千大千佛之剎土，願於來世當見此光證無上覺，因見光已成大菩提，復以身光遍滿世界，舍利弗！菩薩以是因緣當生彼土。
“Furthermore, Śāriputra! Tathāgata Akṣobhya's light illuminates three thousand great thousand buddha-fields. Wishing to see this light in future lives and attain supreme enlightenment, upon seeing the light attaining great bodhi, and then filling worlds with their own bodily light - Śāriputra! Through these causes and conditions bodhisattvas will be born in that land.
「復次舍利弗！彼不動如來應正等覺諸聲聞眾無量無邊，願我當見，見已起如是行，證佛菩提。證菩提時，亦有如是無量無數諸聲聞眾。舍利弗！以是因緣故，菩薩摩訶薩於彼佛剎而得受生。
Furthermore, Śāriputra! That Tathāgata Akṣobhya, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One has an immeasurable, boundless assembly of śrāvakas. Wishing 'May I see them, and upon seeing them generate such practices and attain buddha bodhi. When I attain bodhi, may I also have such immeasurable, countless śrāvaka assemblies.' Śāriputra! Through these causes and conditions, bodhisattva-mahāsattvas can be reborn in that buddha-field.
「復次舍利弗！彼佛剎中菩薩摩訶薩無量無邊，我當欲見此諸菩薩，行禪定行願當隨學，與諸菩薩處處結集，同學同乘同俱究竟。願當會遇欲求圓滿大慈悲者，欲求菩提及沙門者，捨離二乘心者，安住真實空性者，於佛如來一切智性及法僧名號念住相續者。舍利弗！若善男子善女人聞是色類菩薩名者，於彼佛剎當得受生；何況與般若波羅蜜相應善根，迴向不動如來應正等覺。舍利弗！以是因緣，是人於彼佛土決定當生。
"Furthermore, Śāriputra! In that buddha-field there are immeasurable, boundless bodhisattva-mahāsattvas. I wish to see these bodhisattvas, practice meditation as they do, gather with bodhisattvas everywhere, study together, practice the same vehicle, and reach completion together. May I meet those who seek to perfect great compassion, those who seek bodhi and the śramaṇa path, those who abandon the mind of the two vehicles, those who dwell in true emptiness, those who continuously maintain mindfulness of the Buddha, Tathāgata's all-knowing wisdom, and the names of the Dharma and Sangha. Śāriputra! If good men and good women hear the names of such bodhisattvas, they will be reborn in that buddha-field; how much more so those with roots of goodness in accord with prajñā-pāramitā, dedicated toward Tathāgata Akṣobhya, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One. Śāriputra! Through these causes and conditions, such people will definitely be born in that buddha land.”
「復次舍利弗！若菩薩摩訶薩願生彼佛剎者，於東方無量世界諸佛如來說微妙法及聲聞眾，應以其像隨念在前，願我當證菩提說微妙法，及聲聞眾皆如彼佛。舍利弗！是諸菩薩應修三種隨念善根，願與一切眾生平等共習，以此善根迴向阿耨多羅三藐三菩提。舍利弗！如是菩薩迴向善根無有限量。假使一切眾生各持一器量等虛空，作如是言：『丈夫！彼之善根分與於我。』舍利弗！此諸善根若有色相，給與眾生皆滿其器各各持去，而彼善根亦無窮盡。以迴向阿耨多羅三藐三菩提，無有限量不可移轉故。舍利弗！彼三隨念所成迴向一切種智，以此善根三寶隨轉。舍利弗！若有菩薩成此善根，應知不墮一切惡趣，而能摧伏波旬及諸魔眾，於彼彼佛剎隨樂受生。乃至南西北方四維上下亦復如是，皆得隨願受生。是故菩薩摩訶薩於此隨念善根應當積集，彼積集已應迴向不動如來，故於彼剎當得受生。
"Furthermore, Śāriputra! If bodhisattva-mahāsattvas wish to be born in that buddha-field, they should keep in mind the images of all the Buddhas and Tathāgatas teaching the sublime Dharma with their śrāvaka assemblies in countless worlds of the east, wishing: 'May I attain bodhi and teach the sublime Dharma with śrāvaka assemblies just like those Buddhas.' Śāriputra! These bodhisattvas should cultivate three kinds of mindful roots of goodness, wishing to practice them equally with all beings, and transfer these roots of goodness toward anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi.
Śāriputra! Such bodhisattvas' transference of roots of goodness is limitless. Even if all beings each held a vessel as vast as space and said: 'Great one! Share those roots of goodness with me.' Śāriputra! If these roots of goodness had physical form and were given to beings filling each of their vessels, those roots of goodness would still be inexhaustible. Because when transferred toward anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi, they are limitless and immovable.
Śāriputra! Those three mindfulnesses accomplish transference to all-knowing wisdom, with these roots of goodness following the Three Jewels. Śāriputra! When bodhisattvas accomplish these roots of goodness, know that they will not fall into any evil destinies, can subdue Pāpīyas and all māra assemblies, and can be reborn in whatever buddha-field they wish. This applies to the south, west, north, the four intermediate directions, above and below as well - they can be reborn according to their wishes. Therefore bodhisattva-mahāsattvas should accumulate these mindful roots of goodness, and having accumulated them should transfer them toward Tathāgata Akṣobhya, thus they will be reborn in that field.
「復次舍利弗！不動如來佛剎功德廣大莊嚴，於無量佛剎中彼皆無有。是故菩薩摩訶薩應當發如是心，我以此善根願當見彼土，彼土莊嚴願當攝受，亦願當見彼諸菩薩。舍利弗！以此因緣，菩薩當生彼國。舍利弗！菩薩摩訶薩願生彼佛剎者，應發增上樂欲之心。舍利弗！若善男子善女人發增上心，我皆與記於彼佛剎而得受生。舍利弗！譬如有城，無有樓閣園林池沼，亦無象馬遊行之處。彼城之王雖有力安處，而城無樓閣諸功德故，則非莊嚴。舍利弗！我此佛剎亦復如是，無彼功德故則非嚴飾。舍利弗！我此剎中若有如是功德莊嚴，則如不動如來佛剎嚴勝。舍利弗！若菩薩摩訶薩願當攝受清淨佛剎者，應如不動如來往修菩薩行，植眾德本嚴淨佛剎已，及當如是攝取功德。
"Furthermore, Śāriputra! The merits and magnificent adornments of Tathāgata Akṣobhya's buddha-field are unequaled among countless buddha-fields. Therefore, bodhisattva-mahāsattvas should generate such thoughts: 'Through these roots of goodness, may I see that land, may I embrace that land's adornments, and may I see those bodhisattvas.' Śāriputra! Through these causes and conditions, bodhisattvas will be born in that land. Śāriputra! Bodhisattva-mahāsattvas who wish to be born in that buddha-field should generate a mind of superior aspiration. Śāriputra! If good men and good women generate superior minds, I will give them all predictions of birth in that buddha-field.
Śāriputra! It is like a city without pavilions, gardens, ponds, or places for elephants and horses to roam. Although the king of that city dwells there powerfully, because the city lacks pavilions and other merits, it is not adorned. Śāriputra! My buddha-field is also like this - lacking those merits, it is not adorned. Śāriputra! If my field had such meritorious adornments, it would be as magnificently adorned as Tathāgata Akṣobhya's buddha-field. Śāriputra! If bodhisattva-mahāsattvas wish to embrace a pure buddha-field, they should practice the bodhisattva path as Tathāgata Akṣobhya did, planting roots of merit to purify and adorn a buddha-field, and thus embrace such merits.
「復次舍利弗！如我今時得阿耨多羅三藐三菩提已，調伏無量眾生，於二乘道皆獲果證，及我聲聞所調伏者悉皆積聚，方彼如來諸聲聞眾，百分不及一、千分不及一，百千分、億百千分、數分、算分、喻分、鄔波尼殺曇分亦不及一。何以故？由數無量故；若言解脫則無有異。且止斯事。舍利弗！彼彌勒如來當出於世，諸聲聞眾及彼調伏所餘聲聞，以方不動如來聲聞之數，不及之分如上應知。舍利弗！由彼如來於一說法，善能調伏無量有情。然彼世尊之所攝受，無有能知其數量者。舍利弗！我之聲聞及彌勒如來諸聲聞眾，乃至賢劫諸佛世尊所有聲聞，及彼聲聞當所調伏餘聲聞眾，彼皆積聚比不動如來諸聲聞眾，百分不及一，乃至鄔波尼殺曇分亦不及一。何以故？其數多故；解脫無異故。」
"Furthermore, Śāriputra! Now that I have attained anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi, I have tamed countless beings who have all attained fruits on the path of the two vehicles, yet if all my śrāvakas and those they have tamed were gathered together, compared to that Tathāgata's śrāvaka assembly, they would not equal one hundredth, one thousandth, one hundred thousandth, one billion hundredth, or even a calculable, countable, comparable, or upaniṣad part. Why? Because their number is immeasurable; though in terms of liberation there is no difference. But let us set this aside.
Śāriputra! When Tathāgata Maitreya appears in the world, his śrāvaka assembly and the remaining śrāvakas they tame, compared to Tathāgata Akṣobhya's number of śrāvakas, will not equal even the parts mentioned above. Śāriputra! Because that Tathāgata in one teaching can skillfully tame countless beings. Yet no one can know the number of those embraced by that World-Honored One.
Śāriputra! My śrāvakas and Tathāgata Maitreya's śrāvaka assembly, up to all the śrāvakas of the World-Honored Buddhas of the Bhadra kalpa, and all the remaining śrāvakas they will tame - if all these were gathered together and compared to Tathāgata Akṣobhya's śrāvaka assembly, they would not equal one hundredth part, up to not even one upaniṣad part. Why? Because their number is so great; though in liberation there is no difference."
時舍利弗白佛言：「世尊！如我解佛所說義者，應知彼阿羅漢剎非愚夫剎。何以故？彼佛剎中阿羅漢多故。」
Then Śāriputra said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One! As I understand the meaning of what the Buddha has said, we should know that this is a realm of arhats, not of ordinary beings. Why? Because there are many arhats in that buddha-field."
佛告舍利弗：「如是如是，如汝所說，彼佛剎中多漏盡阿羅漢故。復次舍利弗！此三千大千世界星宿數量，不如彼佛聲聞眾多。由彼如來於一說法，無量有情得阿羅漢。舍利弗！此三千大千世界星宿猶有數量，彼一一會，無量有情得阿羅漢故，諸會聲聞無有數量。
The Buddha told Śāriputra, "So it is! So it is! Just as you say. Because there are many arhats who have exhausted their defilements in that buddha-field. Furthermore, Śāriputra! The number of stars in this three thousand great thousand world-system does not equal the number of that Buddha's śrāvaka assembly. Because when that Tathāgata teaches the Dharma once, countless beings attain arhatship. Śāriputra! While the stars in this three thousand great thousand world-system can be counted, because countless beings attain arhatship in each assembly, the śrāvakas in these assemblies are beyond count."
「復次舍利弗！彼剎天人殖眾善本，餘界人天縱以天眼亦不能見。舍利弗！假令餘界諸天及人，往彼剎中善男子善女人所，盡其天眼亦不得見。若人聞此功德稱揚法門，聞已受持讀誦通利，彼善男子等皆於不動如來往昔行菩薩行時皆已見聞，是故聞此法門即得信心清淨。舍利弗！東方一切世界諸剎土中，若菩薩乘人或聲聞乘人，於此法門讀誦通利者，其數甚多。彼諸菩薩及聲聞人，由願力故於不動剎中，若已生、現生、當生，唯除不退菩薩，由彼菩薩於諸剎中當得阿耨多羅三藐三菩提故。南西北方四維上下亦復如是。舍利弗！彼不動如來於妙喜世界及他方剎土，在菩薩等乘中而為上首。舍利弗！若有善男子善女人聞不動如來功德法門，善能受持讀誦通利，願生彼剎者，乃至命終，不動如來常為護念，不使諸魔及魔眷屬退轉其心。舍利弗！應知是善男子或善女人乃至無上菩提，無有退轉之怖，亦無水火刀杖惡獸毒蟲之所損害，亦不為人非人等之所怖畏。何以故？由不動如來常加護念，於彼佛剎當受生故。
"Furthermore, Śāriputra! The devas and humans of that field who plant many roots of goodness cannot be seen even by those with divine eyes in other realms. Śāriputra! Even if devas and humans from other realms went to see those good men and good women in that field, they could not see them even with their divine eyes. If people hear this Dharma gate praising these merits, and upon hearing it retain, recite, and master it, these good men have all seen and heard Tathāgata Akṣobhya when he practiced the bodhisattva path in the past, therefore upon hearing this Dharma gate they immediately gain pure faith.
Śāriputra! In all the worlds and buddha-fields of the east, there are very many followers of the bodhisattva vehicle and śrāvaka vehicle who recite and master this Dharma gate. Through the power of their vows, these bodhisattvas and śrāvakas have been born, are being born, or will be born in Akṣobhya's field, except for non-regressing bodhisattvas, because those bodhisattvas will attain anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi in various fields. This is also true of the south, west, north, the four intermediate directions, above and below. Śāriputra! That Tathāgata Akṣobhya is foremost among those following the bodhisattva vehicle in the Land of Wonderful Joy and other buddha-fields.
Śāriputra! If good men and good women hear this Dharma gate of Tathāgata Akṣobhya's merits and can well retain, recite, and master it, wishing to be born in that field, until the end of their lives, Tathāgata Akṣobhya will constantly protect and remember them, not allowing māras and their retinues to cause their minds to regress. Śāriputra! Know that these good men or good women, until attaining supreme bodhi, will have no fear of regression, nor will they be harmed by water, fire, weapons, evil beasts, or poisonous insects, nor will they fear humans or non-humans. Why? Because Tathāgata Akṣobhya constantly protects and remembers them, as they will be reborn in that buddha-field.
「舍利弗！譬如日輪雖復遙遠，與閻浮提眾生而作光明。不動如來亦復如是，雖在遙遠，能與他界諸菩薩眾而作光明。舍利弗！譬如比丘有天眼者，能見遠方諸善惡色。不動如來雖在彼剎，餘世界中諸菩薩眾所有形類等色皆悉能見。舍利弗！又如比丘得心自在，獲彼神通波羅蜜者，雖在遙遠了知一切有情之心。不動如來亦復如是，能知餘界諸菩薩心。舍利弗！譬如比丘證得天耳，身雖在遠能聞諸聲。不動如來亦復如是，餘世界中所住眾生作如是言：『我於彼剎願當生者。』彼佛皆聞。舍利弗！如是色類善男子善女人所有姓名，不動如來皆悉了知。若有受持讀誦通利此功德法門者，此諸人等皆為不動如來之所知見及已護念。」
"Śāriputra! Just as the sun disc, though far away, provides light for beings in Jambudvīpa, so too Tathāgata Akṣobhya, though distant, can provide light for bodhisattva assemblies in other realms. Śāriputra! Just as a bhikṣu with the divine eye can see various good and bad forms in distant places, so too Tathāgata Akṣobhya, though in that field, can see all the forms and appearances of bodhisattva assemblies in other worlds.
Śāriputra! And just as a bhikṣu who has mastered the mind and attained the perfection of supernatural powers can know the minds of all beings even from afar, so too Tathāgata Akṣobhya can know the minds of bodhisattvas in other realms. Śāriputra! Just as a bhikṣu who has attained the divine ear can hear sounds though physically distant, so too Tathāgata Akṣobhya can hear when beings dwelling in other worlds say: 'I wish to be born in that field.'
Śāriputra! Tathāgata Akṣobhya knows all the names and clans of such good men and good women. Those who retain, recite, and master this Dharma gate of merits are all known, seen, and protected by Tathāgata Akṣobhya."
時舍利弗白佛言：「希有世尊！乃至彼佛世尊護念彼諸菩薩摩訶薩。」如是白已。
Then Śāriputra said to the Buddha, "How rare, World-Honored One! That even that World-Honored Buddha protects and remembers those bodhisattva-mahāsattvas." Having said this.
佛告舍利弗：「如是如是，如汝所言。彼菩薩摩訶薩如來之所護念。何以故？由護念菩薩故，一切眾生皆得護念。舍利弗！譬如剎利灌頂大王多有倉廩盈儲穀豆，嚴誡主司善令監守。何以故？於饑饉世當濟群生。舍利弗！是諸菩薩於彼如來滅度之後，當證無上正等菩提，能於正法饑饉之時作大豐稔。如來亦復如是，善能覆護此諸菩薩。舍利弗！於此世界有諸菩薩，當聞不動如來功德法門，能善受持讀誦通利，於彼佛剎願欲受生，應知此人得不退轉。舍利弗！若餘菩薩於此法門，善能受持讀誦通利，為無量無數百千眾生開示演說，亦令諸有情如是殖眾善本，使當親近無上菩提。舍利弗！若菩薩願速證無上菩提者，應當受持讀誦通利如是法門，為諸眾生開示演說。何以故？菩薩摩訶薩應如是演說此功德門大智慧業，當如是如是發起積集。彼諸人等由發起積集故，於其現身諸漏當盡。舍利子！是故聲聞乘者若聞彼法門，應當受持讀誦通利，廣為眾生開示演說。何以故？此善男子善女人由受持如是正法，於其現身當證無學。舍利弗！若有淨信男子女人於此功德稱讚法門，應當為他時時演說。彼諸人等不越兩生，當於現身得盡諸漏。
The Buddha told Śāriputra, "So it is! So it is! Jus as you say. Those bodhisattva-mahāsattvas are protected and remembered by the Tathāgata. Why? Because by protecting and remembering bodhisattvas, all beings receive protection. Śāriputra! It is like a consecrated kṣatriya king who has many granaries filled with stored grain and beans, strictly instructing officials to guard them well. Why? To save the masses during times of famine. Śāriputra! After that Tathāgata's nirvāṇa, these bodhisattvas will attain supreme perfect enlightenment and can provide great abundance in times of Dharma famine. The Tathāgata likewise well protects these bodhisattvas.
Śāriputra! In this world there are bodhisattvas who will hear this Dharma gate of Tathāgata Akṣobhya's merits, who can well retain, recite, and master it, wishing to be reborn in that buddha-field - know that such people attain non-retrogression. Śāriputra! If other bodhisattvas can well retain, recite, and master this Dharma gate, explaining and teaching it to countless hundreds of thousands of beings, causing beings to plant such roots of goodness, enabling them to draw near to supreme bodhi.
Śāriputra! If bodhisattvas wish to swiftly attain supreme bodhi, they should retain, recite, and master this Dharma gate, explaining and teaching it to beings. Why? Bodhisattva-mahāsattvas should thus explain this meritorious Dharma gate of great wisdom's activity, and should thus generate and accumulate it. Through generating and accumulating, these people will exhaust all defilements in their present body. Śāriputra! Therefore those of the śrāvaka vehicle who hear this Dharma gate should retain, recite, and master it, extensively explaining and teaching it to beings. Why? These good men and good women, through upholding such true Dharma, will attain the state of no more learning in their present body. Śāriputra! If faithful men and women with this Dharma gate of merit and praise should teach it to others from time to time. These people, not passing beyond two lives, will exhaust all outflows in their present body.
「復次舍利弗！此不動如來所有功德稱讚法門，非愚淺者之所能受，其有智慧深廣方能受持。舍利弗！彼善男子善女人當見諸佛，於此功德稱讚法門必當身得。舍利弗！譬若無價寶珠從海持來。於意云何？此無價寶何人先得？」
"Furthermore, Śāriputra! This Dharma gate praising Tathāgata Akṣobhya's merit cannot be received by those who are foolish and shallow; only those with deep and broad wisdom can retain it. Śāriputra! Those good men and good women will see all Buddhas and will certainly personally attain this Dharma gate of merit and praise. Śāriputra! It is like a priceless jewel brought from the ocean. What do you think? Who would first obtain this priceless jewel?"
舍利弗白佛言：「世尊！有諸國王、王子、大臣，此人先得。」
Śāriputra said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One! Kings, princes, and ministers would obtain it first."
佛告舍利弗：「彼佛功德法門亦復如是，菩薩先得。是諸菩薩當不退轉，若聞此法必能受持讀誦通利，為無上菩提於真如性當勤修學。」
The Buddha told Śāriputra, "The Buddha's Dharma gate of merit is also like this - bodhisattvas obtain it first. These bodhisattvas will not regress, and if they hear this Dharma they will certainly be able to retain, recite, and master it, diligently studying true suchness for supreme bodhi."
舍利弗白佛言：「世尊！若諸菩薩欲住不退地者，聞此稱讚法門，應當受持讀誦通利。何以故？菩薩摩訶薩住此法門，於法性中當不退轉。」
Śāriputra said to the Buddha: "World-Honored One! If bodhisattvas wish to dwell in the stage of non-retrogression, upon hearing this Dharma gate of praise, they should retain, recite, and master it. Why? When bodhisattva-mahāsattvas dwell in this Dharma gate, they will not regress from the nature of dharmas."
佛告舍利弗：「假使有人終以金寶滿閻浮提持用布施，冀聞此法終亦不聞。何以故？此功德法非薄福眾生當執持故。復次舍利弗！若聲聞乘人聞此功德法門受持讀誦，為無上菩提及真如相應故精勤修習，彼於後身當得成就，或於二生補處、或復三生，終不超過，當成正覺。彼若聞此稱讚法門讀誦通利，復為無量百千眾生開示演說。舍利弗！如轉輪王以先業感七寶見前。不動如來亦復如是，以本願力，我今說此功德法門。舍利弗！若諸菩薩摩訶薩於此稱讚法門，若已聞若當聞者，彼皆由不動如來往昔行菩薩行時慈悲願力，或當於賢劫中諸佛世尊之所預聞開示此之法門，如我於今演說開示，不增不減名數若干。舍利弗！是故菩薩摩訶薩欲速證無上菩提者，於此功德稱讚法門，應當受持讀誦通利為他廣說。
The Buddha told Śāriputra: "Even if someone were to fill Jambudvīpa with gold treasures and give them as offerings, hoping to hear this Dharma, they still would not hear it. Why? Because this meritorious Dharma is not to be grasped by beings of shallow merit. Furthermore, Śāriputra! If those of the śrāvaka vehicle hear this Dharma gate of merits and retain, recite it, and diligently practice for supreme bodhi and in accordance with true suchness, they will achieve it in their next life, or in two or three lives at most, and will attain perfect enlightenment. If they hear this Dharma gate of praise, recite and master it, they will explain and teach it to countless hundreds of thousands of beings.
Śāriputra! Just as a wheel-turning king sees the seven treasures appear before him due to past karma, so too Tathāgata Akṣobhya, through the power of his original vows, enables me to now teach this Dharma gate of merits. Śāriputra! All bodhisattva-mahāsattvas who have heard or will hear this Dharma gate of praise do so through the power of Tathāgata Akṣobhya's compassionate vows made while practicing the bodhisattva path, or they will hear this Dharma gate explained by the World-Honored Buddhas of the Bhadra kalpa, just as I now explain it, with neither increase nor decrease in the numbers. Śāriputra! Therefore, bodhisattva-mahāsattvas who wish to swiftly attain supreme bodhi should retain, recite, and master this Dharma gate of merit and praise, and extensively teach it to others.
「復次舍利弗！若善男子善女人為求此法門故，於彼村落城邑，聽聞受持讀誦通利。雖出家菩薩居白衣家，我說無過，亦隨聽住。何以故？彼善男子善女人於命終後，欲令此法當不隱沒。舍利弗！若彼村邑在於遙遠，是諸菩薩亦當應往，及住彼中，受持讀誦開示演說。舍利弗！彼善男子善女人於已流布稱讚法門，或於他人有是經卷，應可詣彼而書寫之。彼人若有願求，汝當斷食，或使經行若坐若立等，應曲隨教命書寫是經。若於彼村求不能得，應詣隣境書寫，受持讀誦通利，復為他人開示演說。若往餘方勤求不獲，彼人應發如是誓心：『我於無上菩提不應生於退轉之相。由我已聞不動如來法門名號，是人於我欲為利益令我聽聞。』舍利弗！如是稱讚法門，有能演說及預聞者，皆由如來威神之力。」
"Furthermore, Śāriputra! If good men and good women, for the sake of seeking this Dharma gate, listen, retain, recite, and master it in villages and cities. Even if renunciant bodhisattvas dwell in laypeople's homes, I say there is no fault, and they may stay as permitted. Why? Because after these good men and good women's deaths, they wish this Dharma not to disappear. Śāriputra! If those villages are far away, these bodhisattvas should still go there and dwell there, retaining, reciting, explaining, and teaching.
Śāriputra! Those good men and good women, regarding this circulating Dharma gate of praise, if others have this scripture, they should go there and copy it. If those people have requests, you should fast, or whether walking, sitting, or standing, you should comply with their instructions to copy this scripture. If it cannot be found in that village, they should go to neighboring regions to copy it, retain, recite, and master it, and further explain and teach it to others. If they diligently seek but cannot obtain it in other regions, they should make this vow, 'I should not give rise to signs of regression regarding supreme bodhi. Because I have heard the name of Tathāgata Akṣobhya's Dharma gate, this person wishes to benefit me by letting me hear it.' Śāriputra! This Dharma gate of praise, those who can explain it and those who hear it beforehand, all do so through the Tathāgata's spiritual power."
時舍利弗白佛言：「世尊！如來滅後，由誰威力而當得聞？」
Then Śāriputra said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One! After the Tathāgata's extinction, by whose power will people hear this?"
「舍利弗！我滅度後，由不動如來威神之力當復得聞。或由四大天王、釋提桓因等當勤加護，令諸法師宣揚此法。及彼菩薩本業成熟，四天王等威加策進，令諸菩薩而得聽聞。」
"Śāriputra! After my nirvāṇa, they will hear it through Tathāgata Akṣobhya's spiritual power. Or through the protection of the Four Great Heavenly Kings, Śakra Devendra and others, who will diligently protect and enable Dharma masters to propagate this teaching. And when those bodhisattvas' original karma matures, the Four Heavenly Kings and others will spiritually encourage them, enabling the bodhisattvas to hear it."
舍利弗白佛言：「世尊！如此法門能成就廣大功德。」
Śāriputra said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One! This Dharma gate can accomplish vast merit."
佛告舍利弗：「如是如是，如汝所言。舍利弗！若於國中雨雹為災，非時霹靂及餘種種可怖之事。彼善男子善女人等，應當專念不動如來及稱名號，是諸災害皆得消除。由彼如來往昔弘濟百千諸龍解脫眾苦，又由慈悲本願誠諦不虛，迴向善根要期圓滿故，稱彼名號憂患自消；唯除有情宿業成熟。」
The Buddha told Śāriputra, "So it is! So it is! Just as you say. Śāriputra! If in a country there are disasters of hail, untimely thunder, and various other frightening things, those good men and good women should singlemindedly contemplate Tathāgata Akṣobhya and recite his name, and all these disasters will be eliminated. Because that Tathāgata in the past liberated hundreds of thousands of nāgas from suffering, and because of his compassionate original vows' true sincerity, the dedication of roots of goodness will certainly be fulfilled - therefore by reciting his name, worries naturally dissolve; except for beings whose past karma has ripened."
舍利弗白佛言：「世尊！是諸菩薩現身欲證無上菩提者，應如不動如來往修願行。」
Śāriputra said to the Buddha: "World-Honored One! Those bodhisattvas who wish to attain supreme bodhi in their present body should practice vows as Tathāgata Akṣobhya did."
佛告舍利弗：「如是如是，如汝所言。舍利弗！少有菩薩摩訶薩已能如是具修淨剎及當淨修如不動如來者，舍利弗！彼諸菩薩皆當證得阿耨多羅三藐三菩提，而於佛性及一切智、攝受佛國悉皆同等。菩薩聲聞非無優劣，而於解脫則無有異。」
The Buddha told Śāriputra: "Yes, yes, it is as you say. Śāriputra! Few bodhisattva-mahāsattvas have been able to completely cultivate a pure field or will purely cultivate like Tathāgata Akṣobhya. Śāriputra! All these bodhisattvas will attain anuttara-samyak-saṃbodhi, and regarding Buddha-nature, all-knowing wisdom, and embracing buddha lands, they are all equal. Though bodhisattvas and śrāvakas are not without superiority and inferiority, in liberation there is no difference."
爾時欲界諸天及梵眾天等，皆向彼如來合掌頂禮而三唱言：「南無不動如來、應、正等覺甚為希有。」又歸命此界釋迦牟尼如來、應、正等覺，善能說彼稱讚法門。爾時欲界諸天以曼陀羅花及諸天香以散佛上，所散香華於虛空中合而成蓋；復以諸天花香遙散彼佛以為供養。時天帝釋作如是念：「我此四眾及欲界諸天，皆欲見彼不動如來、應、正等覺。」
At that time, the devas of the desire realm and the assembly of Brahma devas all joined their palms and bowed to that Tathāgata, exclaiming three times, "Homage to Tathāgata Akṣobhya, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One, who is most rare." They also took refuge in Śākyamuni Tathāgata, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One of this realm, who skillfully taught that Dharma gate of praise. At that time, the devas of the desire realm scattered mandāra flowers and heavenly incense over the Buddha, and the scattered flowers and incense formed a canopy in space; they also scattered heavenly flowers and incense from afar as offerings to that Buddha. Then Śakra thought: "My four assemblies and the devas of the desire realm all wish to see Tathāgata Akṣobhya, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One."
爾時世尊知彼釋天心之所念，結加趺坐安處虛空。是諸大眾以佛神力亦住空中，皆遙見彼妙喜世界不動如來及聲聞眾。眾皆見已，右膝著地向不動如來、應、正等覺。爾時此界眾人皆作是念：「豈非三十三天為見彼佛而來集會禮拜供養？」
At that time, the World-Honored One, knowing Śakra's thoughts, sat cross-legged dwelling in space. Through the Buddha's spiritual power, the great assembly also dwelled in space, all seeing from afar Tathāgata Akṣobhya and his śrāvaka assembly in the Land of Wonderful Joy. Having seen this, they placed their right knees on the ground toward Tathāgata Akṣobhya, Arhat, Perfectly Enlightened One. At that time, all people in this realm thought: "Have not the Thirty-Three Devas gathered to see that Buddha and make offerings?"
是時帝釋作如是念：「彼界諸天以人相而住，我見彼諸人等服玩資具與彼諸天無少優劣。」
Then Śakra thought, "The devas of that realm dwell in human form, and I see those people's ornaments and possessions are no different from those of the devas."
爾時世尊攝神通已，告天帝言：「彼諸人民皆受天樂，汝應愛樂。是諸人等見彼如來及愛樂彼受天資具者，彼諸眾生從餘世界命終以後，皆得往生不動佛剎。」
At that time, the World-Honored One withdrew his supernatural powers and told Śakra, "Those people all experience heavenly pleasures, you should delight in this. These beings who see that Tathāgata and delight in receiving heavenly possessions, after dying in other worlds, will all be reborn in Akṣobhya's buddha-field."
爾時舍利弗告帝釋言：「汝見釋迦牟尼佛及不動如來，由此緣故，汝於此身得大善利，況汝已得過人之法。」
Then Śāriputra told Śakra, "You have seen Śākyamuni Buddha and Tathāgata Akṣobhya, because of this you have gained great benefit in this body, how much more so since you have attained superhuman dharmas."
時天帝釋作如是念：「彼諸眾生聞此法門亦得善利，何況得生不動佛剎。」
Then Śakra thought, "Those beings who hear this Dharma gate also gain benefits, how much more those who are born in Akṣobhya's buddha-field."
爾時佛告天帝釋言：「彼菩薩乘人當生彼佛剎者亦得善利。何以故？彼諸菩薩皆應得住不退轉故。若餘菩薩於其現身願生彼佛國者，應知皆是住不退轉。」
Then the Buddha told Śakra: "Those following the bodhisattva vehicle who will be born in that buddha-field also gain benefits. Why? Because all those bodhisattvas should attain the stage of non-retrogression. If other bodhisattvas in their present body wish to be born in that buddha land, know that they all dwell in non-retrogression."
佛說此法門時，五百比丘於無漏法心得解脫；五千菩薩、六千比丘尼、八千優婆塞、十千優婆夷及欲界中無量天子，於彼佛剎皆願受生。如來是時皆與授記，於彼佛剎當獲往生。若餘有情當願生者，如來亦當與記生彼佛剎。是時三千大千世界六種震動，所謂動、遍動、等遍動，搖、遍搖、等遍搖，震、遍震、等遍震，由此法門所加持故。
When this Dharma gate was taught, five hundred bhikṣus attained liberation with undefiled minds; five thousand bodhisattvas, six thousand bhikṣuṇīs, eight thousand upāsakas, ten thousand upāsikās, and countless devaputras of the desire realm all aspired to be reborn in that buddha-field. The Tathāgata then gave them all predictions of rebirth in that buddha-field. If other beings would aspire to be born there, the Tathāgata would also give predictions of their birth in that buddha-field. At that time, the three thousand great thousand world-system shook in six ways: shaking, pervasive shaking, equal pervasive shaking, trembling, pervasive trembling, equal pervasive trembling, due to the power of this Dharma gate.
佛說此經已，舍利弗等，及諸世間天、人、阿修羅、乾闥婆、迦樓羅、緊那羅、摩睺羅伽，聞佛所說，皆大歡喜，信受奉行。
When the Buddha had spoken this sutra, Śāriputra and others, and all the worldly devas, humans, asuras, gandharvas, garuḍas, kinnaras, and mahoragas, having heard what the Buddha said, all rejoiced greatly and faithfully accepted and upheld it.