藥師琉璃光如來本願功德經
The Sutra on the Original Vows and Merits of the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata
No. 450 [Nos. 449, 451; 灌頂經卷第十二]
大唐、三藏法師玄奘奉 詔譯
Translated by Tripitaka Master Xuanzang of the Great Tang by Imperial Decree
如是我聞：
Thus have I heard:
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。
At one time, when the Bhagavan was traveling through various countries, he arrived at the city of Vaiśālī and stayed under the Music-Sound Tree. He was accompanied by eight thousand great bhikṣus and thirty-six thousand bodhisattva-mahāsattvas, along with kings, ministers, brahmins, householders, devas, nāgas, yakṣas, humans, non-humans, and countless other beings who respectfully gathered around him to hear the Dharma.
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。」
At that time, Mañjuśrī, the Prince of Dharma, empowered by the Buddha's spiritual power, rose from his seat, bared one shoulder, knelt on his right knee, bowed with palms joined together, and said to the Bhagavan: "World-Honored One! Please expound the names of these Buddhas, their great original vows and extraordinary merits, so that those who hear may have their karmic obstacles eliminated, and for the benefit and happiness of sentient beings in the age of the semblance dharma."
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。」
The World-Honored One praised Mañjuśrī saying: "Excellent! Excellent! Mañjuśrī! With great compassion, you request me to speak of the Buddhas' names and their original vows and merits, to liberate beings bound by karmic obstacles, and to benefit and bring peace to sentient beings in the age of the semblance dharma. Listen carefully and reflect well upon what I shall tell you." Mañjuśrī said: "Indeed! Please speak, we would be delighted to hear."
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、無上丈夫、調御士、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。
The Buddha told Mañjuśrī: "To the east of this world, beyond Buddha-lands as numerous as the sands of ten Ganges Rivers, there is a world called Pure Lapis Lazuli. The Buddha there is named Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata, Worthy One, Perfectly Enlightened One, Perfect in Knowledge and Conduct, Well-Gone One, Knower of the World, Unsurpassed One, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha, Bhagavan. Mañjuśrī! When that World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata was practicing the Bodhisattva path, he made twelve great vows to fulfill all the wishes of sentient beings."
「第一大願：願我來世得阿耨多羅三藐三菩提時，自身光明，熾然照曜無量無數無邊世界，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。
First Vow: ‘When I attain Buddhahood, my body shall shine brilliantly, illuminating countless worlds. I shall possess the thirty-two characteristics of a great being and eighty excellent characteristics, making all beings equal to myself.’
「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，焰網莊嚴，過於日月；幽冥眾生，悉蒙開曉，隨意所趣，作諸事業。
Second Vow: ‘When I attain Buddhahood, my body shall be like lapis lazuli, perfectly pure inside and out, radiating vast light surpassing the sun and moon. Those in darkness shall be illuminated and able to carry out their activities.’
「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。
Third Vow: ‘When I attain Buddhahood, through infinite wisdom and skillful means, I shall enable all beings to obtain inexhaustible resources so that they lack nothing.’
「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。
Fourth Vow: ’When I attain Buddhahood, I shall guide those on wrong paths to the Mahayana way, and establish those following the Śrāvaka and Pratyekabuddha paths in the Mahayana.’
「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。
Fifth Vow: ‘When I attain Buddhahood, I shall help countless beings practice pure conduct under my Dharma, perfect their precepts, and if they break them, hearing my name will restore their purity and prevent falling into evil realms.’
「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。
Sixth Vow: ‘When I attain Buddhahood, those with inferior bodies, impaired senses, or afflictions shall, upon hearing my name, become whole and intelligent, free from all ailments.’
「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，病悉得除，身心安樂，家屬資具，悉皆豐足，乃至證得無上菩提。
Seventh Vow: ‘When I attain Buddhahood, those suffering from illness and hardship, without help, medicine, or family, upon hearing my name shall be cured and find happiness, with abundant resources and family, ultimately reaching 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。
Eighth Vow: ‘When I attain Buddhahood, women who are weary of having female forms and wish to be reborn as men shall, upon hearing my name, be transformed into men and eventually attain enlightenment.’
「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。
Ninth Vow: ‘When I attain Buddhahood, I shall free beings from Mara's nets and wrong views, guiding them to right views and the Bodhisattva path to swift enlightenment.’
「第十大願：願我來世得菩提時，若諸有情，王法所錄，縲縛鞭撻，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。
Tenth Vow: ‘When I attain Buddhahood, those imprisoned, facing execution, or suffering various hardships shall, through my merit and divine power, be freed from all afflictions upon hearing my name.’
「第十一大願：願我來世得菩提時，若諸有情，飢渴所惱，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。
Eleventh Vow: ‘When I attain Buddhahood, those suffering from hunger who commit evil deeds for food shall, upon hearing and reciting my name, first be satisfied with excellent food and then established in ultimate peace through the Dharma.’
「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。
Twelfth Vow: ‘When I attain Buddhahood, those suffering from poverty and lack of clothing shall, upon hearing and reciting my name, obtain fine garments and adornments, with all their wishes fulfilled.’
「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。
"Mañjuśrī! These are the twelve supreme and wonderful vows made by the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata when he was practicing the Bodhisattva path."
「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、窓、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，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。」
"Furthermore, Mañjuśrī! The great vows made by the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata while practicing the Bodhisattva path, and the merits and adornments of his Buddha-land, cannot be fully described even in a kalpa or more. His Buddha-land is completely pure, without women, evil realms, or sounds of suffering. The ground is made of lapis lazuli, the paths are marked with golden ropes, and the cities, palaces, pavilions, towers, windows, and nets are all made of the seven treasures. It is equal in merit and adornment to Sukhāvatī, the Western Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. In that land, there are two great Bodhisattva-Mahāsattvas: one named Universal Sunlight and the other named Universal Moonlight. They are the foremost among countless Bodhisattvas and are capable of upholding the treasury of the true Dharma of the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata. Therefore, Mañjuśrī, those good men and women of faith should aspire to be reborn in that Buddha's land."
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，唯懷貪悋，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。
At that time, the World-Honored One further said to Mañjuśrī: "Mañjuśrī! There are beings who do not recognize good from evil, are only greedy and miserly, do not understand giving or its karmic rewards, are foolish and lacking in faith, who hoard wealth and guard it zealously. When they see beggars approach, their hearts are unhappy, and if they must give, it pains them as if they were cutting their own flesh. There are countless greedy beings who accumulate wealth yet won't even use it for themselves, let alone give it to parents, spouse, children, servants, or beggars. These beings, after death, are reborn in the realm of hungry ghosts or animals. However, because they once briefly heard the name of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata in their human life, when they remember his name in their evil realm, they immediately vanish from that place and are reborn as humans. Remembering their past lives, they fear the suffering of evil realms, no longer delight in worldly pleasures, rejoice in giving, and praise those who give. They become completely unattached to possessions, and gradually become capable of giving away even their heads, eyes, limbs, blood, and flesh to those who ask, let alone other material possessions.”
「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；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。
"Furthermore, Mañjuśrī, there are beings who, though they have received the precepts from the Tathāgata, break the moral precepts; some who do not break the moral precepts but break the rules of conduct; some who keep both the moral precepts and rules of conduct but destroy right views; some who maintain right views but abandon learning and cannot understand the profound meaning of the Buddha's sutras; and some who, though learned, become arrogant, and due to their arrogance, become self-righteous, slander the true Dharma, and become companions of Māra. Such foolish people not only follow wrong views themselves but also cause countless other beings to fall into dangerous pitfalls. These beings should revolve endlessly in the realms of hell, animals, and hungry ghosts."
"However, if they hear the name of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata, they will abandon evil practices, cultivate wholesome dharmas, and avoid falling into evil realms. Even if some cannot abandon evil practices and fall into evil realms, through the power of that Tathāgata's original vows, when they hear his name, they will be reborn in the human realm after death. They will gain right views and diligence, their minds will become well-disciplined, they will be able to leave home-life, uphold the Tathāgata's precepts without violation, maintain right views, become well-learned, understand profound meanings, be free from arrogance, not slander the true Dharma, not become companions of Māra, and gradually practice and swiftly perfect the Bodhisattva path."
「復次，曼殊室利！若諸有情，慳貪嫉妬，自讚毀他，當墮三惡趣中，無量千歲受諸劇苦；受劇苦已，從彼命終，來生人間，作牛、馬、駝、驢，恒被鞭撻，飢渴逼惱；又常負重，隨路而行。或得為人，生居下賤，作人奴婢，受他驅役，恒不自在。若昔人中，曾聞世尊藥師琉璃光如來名號，由此善因，今復憶念，至心歸依。以佛神力，眾苦解脫，諸根聰利，智慧多聞，恒求勝法，常遇善友，永斷魔羂，破無明㲉，竭煩惱河，解脫一切生、老、病、死，憂悲、苦惱。
"Furthermore, Mañjuśrī! If there are beings who are miserly and envious, who praise themselves while disparaging others, they will fall into the three evil realms and suffer intense torment for countless thousands of years. After experiencing these sufferings and dying there, they will be reborn in the human realm as cattle, horses, camels, or donkeys, constantly beaten and tormented by hunger and thirst, always carrying heavy burdens along the roads. Or if they become human, they will be born into low status, becoming servants and slaves, never free and always controlled by others. However, if they had previously heard the name of the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata when they were human, and due to this good cause now remember and sincerely take refuge in him, then by the Buddha's spiritual power, they will be freed from all suffering. Their faculties will become sharp, they will become wise and learned, constantly seek the supreme Dharma, always meet good friends, permanently break free from Māra's snares, shatter the shell of ignorance, dry up the river of afflictions, and be liberated from all birth, old age, sickness, death, worry, grief, and suffering.”
「復次，曼殊室利！若諸有情，好憙乖離，更相鬪訟，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，祭祀藥叉羅剎娑等；書怨人名，作其形像，以惡呪術而呪詛之；厭媚蠱道，呪起屍鬼，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。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。
"Furthermore, Mañjuśrī! There are beings who delight in discord and litigation, who disturb and harm both themselves and others, who create and increase various evil karma through body, speech, and mind, constantly plotting to harm one another. They invoke spirits of mountains, forests, and burial grounds; kill living beings and use their blood and flesh to make offerings to yakṣas and rākṣasas; write down their enemies' names and make effigies to curse them; practice black magic and raise corpse-spirits to destroy lives and bodies. However, if these beings hear the name of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata, none of these evil deeds can harm them. Instead, they all gradually develop minds of loving-kindness, benefiting and bringing peace to others, free from thoughts of harm and hatred. Each person becomes joyful and content with what they have, not harming one another, but rather benefiting each other.”
「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，有八菩薩，乘神通來，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，形相端嚴，眷屬具足，聰明智慧，勇健威猛，如大力士。若是女人，得聞世尊藥師如來名號，至心受持，於後不復更受女身。」
"Furthermore, Mañjuśrī! If there are members of the fourfold assembly - bhikṣus, bhikṣuṇīs, upāsakas, and upāsikās - and other good men and women of pure faith who observe the eightfold precepts for either a year or three months, and aspire to be reborn in Amitābha Buddha's Western Pure Land to hear the true Dharma but are not yet certain of this rebirth: if they hear the name of the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata, then at the time of death, eight bodhisattvas will come by their supernatural powers to show them the way. They will be spontaneously reborn among various-colored precious flowers in that land."
"Some may be reborn in the heavens, and although in heaven, their good roots will not be exhausted, and they will no longer be reborn in evil realms. When their heavenly life ends, they will return to the human realm either as wheel-turning kings ruling the four continents with authority and virtue, establishing countless hundreds of thousands of beings in the ten wholesome ways; or they will be born into families of kṣatriyas, brahmins, or wealthy householders with abundant treasures, full granaries, beautiful appearance, complete retinues, and possessing intelligence, wisdom, courage, and strength like great powerful beings. If a woman hears and sincerely upholds the name of the World-Honored One Medicine Master Buddha, she will never again be reborn in a female body."
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；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。」
At that time, Mañjuśrī said to the Buddha: "World-Honored One! I vow that in the age of the semblance dharma, I will use various skillful means to enable good men and women of pure faith to hear the name of the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata, even awakening their ears with the Buddha's name during sleep. World-Honored One! If people uphold, read, and recite this sutra, or explain and teach it to others, or copy it themselves or have others copy it; if they make offerings with various flowers, incense, perfumes, powdered incense, burning incense, flower garlands, necklaces, banners, canopies, and music; if they make a five-colored bag to store it; if they clean a place and set up a high seat to place it - then the Four Great Heavenly Kings with their retinues and countless hundreds of thousands of heavenly beings will come there to make offerings and protect it."
"World-Honored One! Wherever this precious sutra circulates, if people can uphold it and hear the name of the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata and his original vows and merits, know that in such places there will be no more untimely deaths. Their vital essence will not be stolen by evil spirits and demons, and if it has been stolen, it will be restored, making their body and mind peaceful and happy."
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。復應念彼如來本願功德，讀誦此經，思惟其義，演說開示。隨所樂願，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、懸嶮、惡象、師子、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。
The Buddha told Mañjuśrī: "So it is! So it is! It is as you say. Mañjuśrī! If there are good men and women of pure faith who wish to make offerings to the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata, they should first make an image of that Buddha and place it on a pure seat. They should scatter various flowers, burn various incenses, and adorn the place with various banners and pennants. For seven days and nights, they should observe the eightfold precepts, eat pure food, bathe and wear clean clothes, maintain a mind free from impurity and anger, and develop thoughts of benefit, peace, loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity toward all beings. They should circumambulate the Buddha image while playing music and singing praises."
"They should also contemplate that Tathāgata's original vows and merits, read and recite this sutra, reflect on its meaning, and explain it to others. All their wishes will be fulfilled: those seeking long life will gain long life, those seeking wealth will gain wealth, those seeking official positions will gain official positions, those seeking sons or daughters will gain sons or daughters."
"If someone has bad dreams, sees evil omens, or strange birds gather, or if hundreds of strange phenomena appear in their dwelling place, by making various wonderful offerings to the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata, all these bad dreams, evil omens, and inauspicious signs will disappear and can cause no harm. For those who fear water, fire, swords, poison, cliffs, evil elephants, lions, tigers, wolves, bears, venomous snakes, scorpions, centipedes, millipedes, mosquitoes, and other dangers - if they can sincerely remember that Buddha and make offerings, they will be freed from all fears. If there are invasions from other countries or rebels and bandits, by remembering and making offerings to that Tathāgata, they will also be liberated from these troubles."
「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。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。」
"Furthermore, Mañjuśrī! If there are good men and women of pure faith who throughout their lives do not worship other deities but single-mindedly take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, and uphold the precepts - whether the five precepts, ten precepts, four hundred Bodhisattva precepts, two hundred and fifty bhikṣu precepts, or five hundred bhikṣuṇī precepts - even if they have violated some of these precepts and fear falling into evil realms, if they can concentrate on reciting that Buddha's name and make offerings with respect, they will definitely not be reborn in the three evil realms. Or if there are women who experience extreme suffering during childbirth, if they can sincerely recite his name, make obeisance, praise, and respectfully make offerings to that Tathāgata, all their suffering will be eliminated. The child that is born will have perfect features, be handsome in appearance, bringing joy to those who see them, be sharp in faculties and wise, peaceful with few illnesses, and no non-humans will be able to steal their vital essence.”
爾時，世尊告阿難言：「如我稱揚彼佛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。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；惟除一生所繫菩薩。阿難！人身難得，於三寶中，信敬尊重，亦難可得；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。」
At that time, the World-Honored One said to Ānanda, "As I have praised the merits of the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata, this is the profound realm of all Buddhas, difficult to comprehend. Do you believe it?"
Ānanda replied, "Venerable World-Honored One! I have no doubts about the sutras spoken by the Tathāgata. Why? Because all Tathāgatas' actions of body, speech, and mind are completely pure. World-Honored One! The sun and moon may fall, Mount Sumeru may shake, but the words of the Buddhas never vary. World-Honored One! There are beings whose roots of faith are incomplete who, upon hearing of the Buddhas' profound practices, think, 'How can merely reciting the name of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata bring such excellent merits and benefits?' Due to their disbelief, they give rise to slander, and for long nights they lose great benefit and happiness, falling into evil realms in endless cycles."
The Buddha told Ānanda: "If these beings hear the name of the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata and sincerely uphold it without doubt, it is impossible for them to fall into evil realms. Ānanda! This is the profound practice of all Buddhas, difficult to believe and understand. That you can accept it now is due to the Tathāgata's power. Ānanda! All śrāvakas, pratyekabuddhas, and bodhisattvas who have not yet reached the grounds cannot truly understand this - only those bodhisattvas bound for one more life can. Ānanda! A human body is difficult to obtain, faith and reverence for the Three Jewels are difficult to achieve, and hearing the name of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata is even more difficult. Ānanda! That Buddha's bodhisattva practices, skillful means, and vast vows are limitless - even if I were to speak of them for a kalpa or more, the kalpa would end before I could exhaust them."
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，至于琰魔法王之前；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。」
At that time, a Bodhisattva-Mahāsattva named Delivering Liberation arose from his seat, bared his right shoulder, knelt on his right knee, joined his palms and said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One! In the age of the semblance dharma, there are beings afflicted by various illnesses, emaciated from long sickness, unable to eat or drink, with parched throats and lips, seeing darkness in all directions, with death approaching. Their parents, relatives, friends, and acquaintances weep and surround them. While lying there, they see the messengers of Yama leading their consciousness before King Yama. Every being has a birth-companion spirit who records all their good and evil deeds and presents them to King Yama. The King then questions the person and judges them according to their karma."
"At this time, if the sick person's relatives and friends can take refuge in the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata on their behalf, invite monastics to recite this sutra, light seven-tiered lamps, and hang the five-colored banners of life-prolongation, their consciousness may return. As if in a dream, they will see everything clearly. After seven, twenty-one, thirty-five, or forty-nine days, when their consciousness returns, they will be like someone awakening from a dream, remembering all the karmic retributions of their good and evil deeds. Having personally witnessed the results of karma, even in life-threatening situations, they will not commit evil deeds. Therefore, good men and women of pure faith should uphold the name of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata and make offerings according to their ability."
爾時，阿難問救脫菩薩曰：「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；然四十九燈；造彼如來形像七軀，一一像前各置七燈，一一燈量大如車輪，乃至四十九日，光明不絕；造五色綵幡，長四十九搩手，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。
At that time, Ānanda asked Bodhisattva Delivering Liberation, "Kulaputra! How should one make offerings and pay respect to the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata's life-prolonging banners and lamps, and how should they be made?" The Bodhisattva replied, "Venerable! If there is a sick person who wishes to be freed from illness and suffering, one should, for their sake, observe the eightfold precepts for seven days and seven nights, make offerings of food and other necessities according to one's ability to the Sangha, make offerings and pay respect to the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata six times day and night, recite this sutra forty-nine times, light forty-nine lamps, make seven images of that Tathāgata with seven lamps before each image, each lamp as large as a cartwheel, burning continuously for forty-nine days, make five-colored banners forty-nine hand-spans long, and release various kinds of living beings up to forty-nine in number. Then one can overcome dangerous difficulties and not be possessed by evil spirits causing untimely death.”
「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，無有暴虐藥叉等神惱有情者；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、中宮婇女、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。」
"Furthermore, Ānanda! When anointed kṣatriya kings face disasters - such as epidemics among their people, invasion by other countries, rebellion within their territory, unusual astronomical phenomena, eclipse of the sun or moon, unseasonable winds and rains, or drought - these kings should develop compassion toward all beings and pardon those who are imprisoned. Following the previously described methods of making offerings to the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata, through these good roots and that Tathāgata's original vow power, their countries will become peaceful: winds and rains will come in season, crops will ripen, all beings will be free from illness and happy, there will be no violent yakṣas and other spirits harming beings in their lands, all evil omens will disappear, and the anointed kṣatriya kings will gain increased longevity, vitality, and freedom from illness."
"Ānanda! If empresses, consorts, princes, royal children, ministers, court officials, palace ladies, officials, or common people suffer from illness or other difficulties, they should also set up five-colored spiritual banners, keep lamps burning, release living beings, scatter various colored flowers, and burn famous incenses. Their illnesses will be cured and they will be freed from their difficulties."
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、妖𦾨之師，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，耽婬嗜酒，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、厭禱、呪詛、起屍鬼等之所中害。九者，飢渴所困，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。
At that time, Ānanda asked Bodhisattva Delivering Liberation, "Kulaputra! How can a life that has reached its end be extended?"
The Bodhisattva replied, "Venerable! Haven't you heard the Tathāgata speak of the nine types of untimely death? This is why we encourage making life-prolonging banners and lamps, and cultivating various merits. Through cultivating merit, one can live out their full lifespan without suffering."
Ānanda asked, "What are the nine types of untimely death?" The Bodhisattva explained:
- When beings have a minor illness but no medicine or caretaker, or meet a doctor who prescribes wrong medicine, dying when they shouldn't. Also, those who believe in evil spirits and heterodox teachers who falsely predict fortune and misfortune, causing them to become fearful and unstable, performing divinations, killing various beings to make offerings to spirits, calling on ghosts to pray for blessings and longevity - which they never receive. Due to such foolish delusion and wrong views, they die prematurely and enter hell with no end in sight.
- Being executed by law.
- Hunting, indulging in sensual pleasures and alcohol without restraint, leading to spirits stealing their vital essence.
- Death by fire.
- Death by drowning.
- Being devoured by wild beasts.
- Falling from cliffs.
- Death by poison, curses, black magic, or corpse-raising spirits.
- Dying from hunger and thirst without obtaining food and drink.
"These are the nine types of untimely death briefly explained by the Tathāgata. There are countless other types of untimely death too numerous to mention."
「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。」
"Furthermore, Ānanda! King Yama presides over the record of names in the world. For those beings who are unfilial and commit the five rebellious acts, who violate and insult the Three Jewels, who destroy the proper relationship between ruler and subject, who break their faith and precepts, King Yama will examine and punish them according to the severity of their crimes. Therefore, I now encourage all beings to light lamps, make banners, release living beings, and cultivate merit, so they may cross over suffering and hardships and avoid numerous difficulties.”
爾時，眾中有十二藥叉大將，俱在會坐，所謂：
At that time, there were twelve great yakṣa generals seated in the assembly, namely:
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， 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。
General Kumbhīra General Vajra General Mihira General Andira General Anila General Śāndira General Indra General Pajra General Makura General Sindura General Catura General Vikarala
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。」
These twelve great yakṣa generals, each with seven thousand yakṣa attendants, raised their voices together and said to the Buddha, "World-Honored One! Now, through the Buddha's spiritual power, we have heard the name of the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata and no longer fear falling into evil realms. We are all of one mind in taking refuge in the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha until the end of our lives, vowing to support all sentient beings and bring them benefit, peace, and happiness. In whatever village, city, country, or forest where this sutra circulates, or where people uphold the name of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata and make offerings with respect, we and our attendants will protect those people and liberate them from all sufferings and difficulties, fulfilling all their wishes. For those who seek relief from illness and difficulties, they should also recite this sutra and tie our names with five-colored threads, untying them after their wishes are fulfilled.”
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。」
At that time, the World-Honored One praised the yakṣa generals saying: "Excellent! Excellent! Great yakṣa generals! You who remember and repay the kindness of the World-Honored One Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata should always benefit and bring peace to all sentient beings in this way."
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呪；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。
Then Ānanda asked the Buddha: "World-Honored One! What should we call this teaching and how should we uphold it?" The Buddha told Ānanda: "This teaching is called 'The Original Vows and Merits of Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata'; it is also called 'The Twelve Spirit Generals' Vows to Benefit Beings'; and it is also called 'The Removal of All Karmic Obstacles.' Thus should it be upheld." When the Bhagavan finished speaking, all the bodhisattva-mahāsattvas, great śrāvakas, kings, ministers, brahmins, householders, devas, nāgas, yakṣas, gandharvas, asuras, garuḍas, kinnaras, mahoragas, humans, non-humans, and the entire assembly were greatly delighted and faithfully accepted and upheld the teaching.
藥師琉璃光如來本願功德經
The Sutra on the Original Vows and Merits of the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathāgata