NBAA Gongyo Ceremony

English Version

Containing:

The Lotus Sutra

Expedient Means &
The Life Span of the Thus Come One
NBAA Gongyo Ceremony
 Nichiren Buddhist Association of America
nichirenbuddhist.com

Buena Vista, Colorado

Copyright  2014

by Shannon Heimburg, President of NBAA.

This book contains two chapters of the Lotus Sutra,

“Expedient Means” and “The Life Span of the Thus Come
One,” translated by Burton Watson, as well as some of the
explanations of the terms from the glossary of his book.

The Lotus Sutra was published by Columbia University Press,

New York Chichester, West Sussex 1993
 Glossary

which produces a sense of inner serenity. (Watson)

What is Gongyo?
Shariputra – One of Shakyamuni‟s ten major disciples, known
Gongyo means “assiduous practice.” It’s the auxiliary
as foremost in wisdom. The third chapter of the Lotus Sutra
practice of reciting portions of sutras. It’s done for the
predicts that he will become a Buddha named Flower Glow.
purpose of strengthening the cognitive directing of our
(Watson)
Buddhist practice. The main practice is chanting Namu-
threefold world - The world of desire, the world of form, and Myoho-Renge-Kyo. Many Nichiren Buddhists generally
the world of formlessness. The realms inhabited by perform gongyo in the morning and evening, that is, twice
unenlightened beings who transmigrate within the six paths. per day. You may not have time to recite portions of the
Beings in the world of desire are ruled by various desires. sutra twice per day, once in a day, or even once per week.
Those in the world of form have material form but no desires. But each and every recitation of gongyo you do provides an
Those in the world of formlessness are free from both desire unparalleled opportunity for you to practice Buddhism better,
and form.(Watson) more effectively, and to actualize Buddhahood within your
life. Seize this opportunity as often as possible.
Thus Come One – One of the ten epithets for a Buddha.
(Watson) In Nichiren Buddhism, we recite the “Expedient Means” and
“Life Span” chapters of the Lotus Sutra, chapters 2 and 16,
Three Treasures – The three things that all Buddhists are when we perform gongyo. You will find those chapters within
enjoined to serve and revere, namely, the Buddha, the Law the pages of this book.
or Dharma, and the Samgha or Order. (Watson)

udumbara – A type of plant said to bloom only once in three Myoho Renge Kyo
thousand years. Used in Buddhist literature to symbolize the
rarity of encountering a Buddha.(Watson) In this book, the titles of the “Expedient Means” and “Life
Span” chapters are preceded by Myoho Renge Kyo. What’s
voice-hearers – Shakyamuni Buddha‟s disciples. Those who
the reason for that? Myoho Renge Kyo is the title of the Lotus
listen to his preaching and strive to attain enlightenment. Also
Sutra in Sino-Japanese, the language Nichiren used. When
called voice-hearer disciples. (Watson)
we recite gongyo, we announce what we’re about to recite
World Honored One – One of the ten epithets for a Buddha. prior to reciting it. This includes the name of the text and the
(Watson) chapter.

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 The Gongyo Ceremony Glossary

How to Perform the Ceremony Mandarava flower – A red, mythical flower that signals the
occurrence of an auspicious event involving a Buddha.
Ring the bell 3 times to signal that you’re about to chant 3
nayuta – A numerical unit, defined differently in different texts
times slowly.
but clearly indicating an extremely large number. (Watson)
Chant Namu-myoho-renge-kyo 3 times slowly.
Chant Namu-myoho-renge-kyo as long as desired. At least 30 nirvana – A state of attainment described in early Buddhist
minutes is recommended. teachings. There are two meanings of nirvana. The nirvana
To signal that the chanting is coming to a stop, when you’re of remainder refers to the ongoing life of a person who has
done chanting, ring the bell 5 times, once on each syllable of achieved the state. The nirvana of no remainder refers to
the last Myo-Ho-Ren-Ge-Kyo . what happens when a person who has achieved the state
Then ring the bell 3 times. passes away. The nirvana of remainder is when one frees
Chant Namu-myoho-renge-kyo 3 times slowly. oneself from attachment and thereby suffering. The nirvana
Say “Myoho Renge Kyo Chapter 2 Expedient Means” to of no remainder is when a person frees themselves from the
announce the recitation of the “Expedient Means” chapter. cycle of birth and death or reincarnation.
Recite the “Expedient Means” chapter.
Ring the bell 7 times in-between chapters. outflows – From early Buddhism, it means illusions, impurities
Say “Myoho Renge Kyo Chapter 16 The Life Span of the Thus and desires that prevent one from attaining nirvana
Come One.”
paramita – One of the six paramitas. These were six practices
Recite the “Life Span” chapter.
required of Mahayana bodhisattvas in order to attain
When you’ve finished reciting the “Life Span” chapter, begin
Buddhahood. The Sanskrit word paramita means
chanting Namu-myoho-renge-kyo while simultaneously
“perfection” or “having reached the other shore,” that is,
ringing the bell. Ring the bell 5 times, once on each syllable
having crossed over from the shore of delusion to that of
of Myo-Ho-Ren-Ge-Kyo in order to indicate the speed of the
enlightenment. The six practices are: 1) almsgiving 2)keeping
chant.
the precepts 3) forbearance 4) assiduousness 5) meditation
Chant Namu-myoho-renge-kyo as long as desired. At least
and 6) wisdom. (Watson)
30 minutes is recommended.
When you’re done chanting, ring the bell 5 times to signal pratyekabuddha – A stage of attainment for cause-
that the chanting is coming to a stop. awakened ones, or the condition of Realization of the Ten
Ring the bell 3 times. Worlds. It’s a goal of Hinayana Buddhism, a limited and
Chant Namu-myoho-renge-kyo 3 times slowly. selfish achievement that is devoid of concern about the
enlightenment of others.

saha world – Our present world, which is full of sufferings to be

endured. The Sanskrit word saha means
“endurance.” (Watson)

Samadhi – A state of intense concentration of the mind,

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 Glossary The Gongyo Ceremony

Glossary Varying the Ceremony

annutara-samyak-sambodhi – Supreme unsurpassed If you don’t have time to recite the entirety of both chapters,
enlightenment. you may chant and recite only one chapter or simply chant
Namu-myoho-renge-kyo without reciting any portions of the
arhat – The highest stage of attainment for voice-hearers, or
sutra. If you do recite portions of the sutra, it’s advisable to
the condition of Learning of the Ten Worlds. Nichiren
spend at least as much time chanting Namu-myoho-renge-
Buddhism urges practitioners to reject the goal of arhatship
and strive instead for the unsurpassed enlightenment of the kyo as you spend reciting portions of the Lotus Sutra.
Lotus Sutra.

asamkhya – An ancient Indian numerical unit, indicating an

The Proper Attitude
uncountably large number. (Watson)
Gongyo should be performed with an attitude of respect
asura – A class of contentious demons in Indian mythology and determination. We should sit up straight, speak clearly,
who fight continually with the god Indra. In Buddhism, the use a resolute tone of voice, and project our voices with
asuras constitute one of the eight kinds of nonhuman beings strong volume, not shouting nor mumbling.
who protect Buddhism. (Watson)
To get the most benefit from the practice of gongyo, it’s
avivartika – A stage of attainment for bodhisattvas in which important to exert effort at concentrating on what is being
the practitioner will never again backslide in their progression said. This applies to both reciting the sutra and to chanting
toward Buddhahood.
Namu-myoho-renge-kyo. It’s natural to sometimes lose
Holy Eagle Peak – The place where Shakyamuni Buddha is concentration, but we should try our best to stay focused as
said to have taught. Every Buddha is said to preach from his much as possible.
Pure Land, a peaceful and wondrous place where one can
be instructed by that Buddha until enlightenment is reached.
It’s also another way of describing the enlightenment taught
Why Does NBAA Recommend Reciting
by that Buddha. It’s also known as Vulture Peak.
These Two Chapters?
kalpa – An extremely long period of time. (Watson)
Nichiren argued that these were the two most important
Law – A religious text or a body of divine commandments. In
chapters in the whole of Shakyamuni’s teachings. We
the Lotus Sutra, it refers to the Law contained in the Lotus
encourage people to study further to understand Nichiren’s
Sutra. In Nichiren Buddhism more generally, it refers to Namu-
argument. However, for the purposes of this book, it should
myoho-renge-kyo.
be simply understood that Nichiren prescribed the recitation
Maitreya – A bodhisattva who speaks on behalf of the other of these two chapters of the Lotus Sutra to his disciples.
bodhisattvas in the assembly.
“For your regular recitation, I recommend that you practice

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 The Gongyo Ceremony

reading the prose sections of the ‘Expedient Means’ and ‘Life

Span’ chapters.”
~ Nichiren, Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, “The Recitation of
the ‘Expedient Means’ and ‘Life Span’ Chapters,” p 71

“I have written out the prose section of the ‘Expedient

Means’ chapter for you. You should recite it together with the
verse portion of the ‘Life Span’ chapter, which I sent you
earlier. “
~ Nichiren, Writings of Nichiren Daishonin, “Reply to the Lay
Priest Soya,” p 486

Understanding the
“Expedient Means” Chapter

The “Expedient Means” chapter of the Lotus Sutra explains to

us that, for the first time in his life, after teaching for 40 years,
Shakyamuni was going to finally teach the highest, truest and
most powerfully effective teaching of his lifetime. He then
had to explain why he hadn’t taught the truth before and
why he instead taught things that were less than the highest
teaching. In this chapter, he explains that his audience had
not been ready to hear the highest truth, so he employed
expedient means designed to develop the capacity of his
disciples to the point of being able to understand the
deepest truth.

The Lotus Sutra is known as the single vehicle teaching, the

teaching that leads all living beings to Buddhahood. In the
text, he mentions two or three other vehicles, which he says
“are not the truth.” The two vehicles are the teachings of
Learning and Realization of the Ten Worlds (or voice-hearer
and pratyekabuddha in the text). The third vehicle refers to
the teachings of bodhisattva.

His previous teachings of the three vehicles lead to results

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 Life Span of the Thus Come One Understanding the “Expedient Means” Chapter

to gain entry into the unsurpassed way that are not the highest kind of enlightenment possible. Only
and quickly acquire the body of a Buddha? the single vehicle teaching described in the Lotus Sutra leads
to unsurpassed Buddhahood.

Although Shakyamuni used his earlier teachings to prepare

his disciples for the true teaching, we don’t need to do that
ourselves, nor should we. In the Lotus Sutra, his contemporary
disciples vowed to propagate the Lotus Sutra teachings in
the future ages following his death. But Shakyamuni turned
them down. He didn’t think they were prepared to properly
teach this sutra in the future, so he assigned the task to
bodhisattvas he conjured from beneath the earth, called the
Bodhisattvas of the Earth. These bodhisattvas were specially
trained in this particular teaching, in the single vehicle path. It
was these bodhisattvas who were tasked with spreading this
teaching, and this teaching alone, in the future ages, which
means now. Shakyamuni meant for this to be the teaching
spread during this time period, not his prior teachings.

The logic follows that now that the truth has been revealed, it
wouldn’t be proper to go back to a lesser teaching. To
subscribe to a lesser philosophy when a greater philosophy is
available would be analogous to returning to using an
abacus after calculators had been invented.

There are many other notable points in the “Expedient Means

“chapter as well. One of the most radical points made in the
chapter is the exposition of the Ten Factors, upon which the
theory of Three Thousand Realms in a Single Moment of Life
— the crux of Nichiren Buddhism and what distinguishes it
from other forms of Buddhism — is partly based. Here are the
Ten Factors described by Shakyamuni: “The true entity of all
phenomena can only be understood and shared between
Buddhas. This reality consists of the appearance, nature,
entity, power, influence, inherent cause, relation, latent
effect, manifest effect, and their consistency from beginning
to end.”

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 Understanding the “Expedient Means” Chapter Life Span of the Thus Come One

The second most important point made by the “Expedient At times for this multitude
Means” chapter, which also helped form the basis of the I describe the Buddha's life span as
theory of Three Thousand Realms in a Single Moment of Life, is immeasurable,
that Buddhahood is a condition of life, as opposed to a and to those who see the Buddha only after a
person born as a Buddha, and that this condition is an long time
inherent potential within all living beings. I explain how difficult it is to meet the Buddha.
Such is the power of my wisdom
Another critical point made in this chapter is an argument that its sagacious beams shine without measure.
that Buddhahood is a condition in which one’s whole being This life span of countless kalpas
exists for the sake of teaching others “this Law” or the single I gained as the result of lengthy practice.
vehicle teaching described in the Lotus Sutra. In several You who are possessed of wisdom,
places he says things like this: “This Law is not something that entertain no doubts on this point!
can be understood through pondering or analysis. Only those Cast them off, end them forever,
who are Buddhas can understand it. Why is this? Because the for the Buddha's words are true, not false.
Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones, appear in the world for He is like a skilled physician
one great reason alone. Shariputra, what does it mean to say who uses an expedient means to cure his
that the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones, appear in the deranged sons.
world for one great reason alone? The Buddhas, the World- Though in fact alive, he gives out word he is
Honored Ones , wish to open the door of Buddha wisdom to dead,
all living beings, to allow them to attain purity. That is why yet no one can say he speaks falsely.
they appear in the world…. The Buddhas, the Thus Come I am the father of this world,
Ones, simply teach and convert the Bodhisattvas. All the saving those who suffer and are afflicted.
things they do are at all times done for this one purpose.” Because of the befuddlement of ordinary
When our Buddha nature emerges, and we see how people,
spectacular Buddhahood is, out of compassion for living though I live, I give out word I have entered
beings, the desire to encourage every living being on the extinction.
planet to develop this condition within themselves For if they see me constantly,
overwhelms us and becomes our primary mission in life. At arrogance and selfishness arise in their minds.
the same time, acting on this mission further strengthens the Abandoning restraint, they give themselves up to
condition of Buddhahood within. So if we’re ever at a point the five desires
in our practice where we feel like we’re stagnating, this is and fall into the evil paths of existence.
something we can stop and consider: How much effort are Always I am aware of which living beings
we exerting to help other people attain Buddhahood? practice the way, and which do not,
and in response to their needs for salvation
There’s one more important message in the “Expedient
I preach various doctrines for them.
Means” chapter we’d like to point out . It says, “Shariputra,
At all times I think to myself:
you should know that at the start I took a vow, hoping to
How can I cause living beings
make all persons equal to me, without any distinction

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 Life Span of the Thus Come One Understanding the “Expedient Means” Chapter

so you suppose that I enter extinction. between us, and what I long ago hoped for has now been
When I look at living beings fulfilled.“ With this sutra, Shakyamuni fulfills his vow to teach a
I see them drowned in a sea of suffering; philosophy that leads all living beings to a condition of
therefore I do not show myself, Buddhahood equal to his own, without any distinction from
causing them to thirst for me. his. In other words. this condition of Buddhahood he teaches
Then when their minds are filled with yearning, through the Lotus Sutra, once achieved, will be equal to his
at last I appear and preach the Law for them. own. Once we see Buddhahood in our own lives, we should
Such are my transcendental powers. never consider ourselves inferior to Shakyamuni or any other
For asamkhya kalpas Buddha. Ironically, the belief that we’re inferior inhibits our
constantly I have dwelled on Holy Eagle Peak ability to do exactly what we need to do to be an equal of
and in various other places. Shakyamuni, which is to dedicate our lives to encouraging
When living beings witness the end of a kalpa others and teaching them how to attain enlightenment.
and all is consumed in a great fire,
this, my land, remains safe and tranquil,
constantly filled with heavenly and human Understanding the “Life Span” Chapter
beings.
The halls and pavilions in its gardens and groves The important thing to understand when reading this chapter
are adorned with various kinds of gems. is that Shakyamuni is speaking not as his transitory, physical
Jeweled trees abound in flowers and fruit human self but as the greater self that is his Buddha nature,
where living beings enjoy themselves at ease. and ours as well. When he speaks of himself in this chapter, it
The gods strike heavenly drums, should be understood that he speaks on behalf of each of
constantly making many kinds of music. our Buddha natures. When we read this chapter, we should
Mandarava blossoms rain down, see it as if our own Buddha nature is speaking, that we are
scattering over the Buddha and the great saying these words, rather than just the man Shakyamuni.
assembly.
My pure land is not destroyed, From this perspective, he explains that the Buddha nature
yet the multitude see it as consumed in fire, inherent within us all is eternal and never dies or disappears,
with anxiety, fear and other sufferings though it might seem so from the unenlightened perspective.
filling it everywhere.
There are a couple of important lines from the chapter that
These living beings with their various offenses,
Nichiren based his Buddhist practice upon, and so should we
through causes arising from their evil actions,
all.
spend asamkhya kalpas
without hearing the name of the Three Treasures. He again reiterated at the close of the “Life Span” chapter a
But those who practice meritorious ways, point he had made in the “Expedient Means” chapter, which
who are gentle, peaceful, honest and upright, was that the purpose of a Buddha’s existence is to lead all
all of them will see me living beings to Buddhahood. Speaking on behalf of the
here in person, preaching the Law. Buddha nature within us all, he says, “At all times I think to

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 Understanding the “Life Span” Chapter Life Span of the Thus Come One

myself: How can I cause living beings to gain entry into the converting
unsurpassed way and quickly acquire the body of a countless millions of living beings,
Buddha? “ causing them to enter the Buddha way,
all this for immeasurable kalpas.
Another important passage tells us that when we have
In order to save living beings,
developed the compassion and courage to offer our lives for
as an expedient means I appear to enter
Buddhism, to practice with a no-matter-what-should-happen
nirvana
spirit, that is the precise moment when the condition of
but in truth I do not pass into extinction.
Buddhahood appears within us, the point at which we
I am always here, preaching the Law.
become Buddhas. “When living beings have become truly
I am always here,
faithful, honest and upright, gentle in intent, single-mindedly
but through my transcendental powers
desiring to see the Buddha, not hesitating even if it costs
I make it so that living beings in their
them their lives, then I and the assembly of monks appear
befuddlement
together on Holy Eagle Peak.“
do not see me even when close by.
When the multitude see that I have passed into
extinction,
far and wide they offer alms to my relics.
All harbor thoughts of yearning
and in their minds thirst to gaze at me.
When living beings have become truly faithful,
honest and upright, gentle in intent,
single-mindedly desiring to see the Buddha,
not hesitating even if it costs them their lives,
then I and the assembly of monks
appear together on Holy Eagle Peak.
At that time I tell the living beings
that I am always here, never entering extinction,
but that because of the power of an expedient
means
at times I appear to be extinct, at other times
not,
and that if there are living beings in other lands
who are reverent and sincere in their wish to
believe,
then among them too
I will preach the unsurpassed Law.
But you have not heard of this,

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 Life Span of the Thus Come One Expedient Means

I am now old and worn out, and the time of my death has
come. I will leave this good medicine here. You should take it
Myoho Renge Kyo
and not worry that it will not cure you.' Having given these
Chapter 2
instructions, he then goes off to another land, where he sends
a messenger home to announce, 'Your father is dead.' Expedient Means
"At that time the children, hearing that their father
has deserted them and died, are filled with great grief and At that time the World-Honored One calmly arose
consternation and think to themselves: If our father were alive from his samadhi and addressed Shariputra, saying: "The
he would have pity on us and see that we are protected. But wisdom of the Buddhas is infinitely profound and
now he has abandoned us and died in some other country immeasurable. The door to this wisdom is difficult to
far away. We are shelterless orphans with no one to rely on! understand and difficult to enter. Not one of the voice-
"Constantly harboring such feelings of grief, they at hearers or pratyekabuddhas is able to comprehend it.
last come to their senses and realize that the medicine is in "What is the reason for this? A Buddha has personally
fact excellent in color and fragrance and flavor, and so they attended a hundred, a thousand, ten thousand, a million, a
take it and are healed of all the effects of the poison. The countless number of Buddhas and has fully carried out an
father, hearing that his children are all cured, immediately immeasurable number of religious practices. He has exerted
returns home and appears to them all once more. himself bravely and vigorously, and his name is universally
"Good men, what is your opinion? Can anyone say known. He has realized the Law that is profound and never
that this skilled physician is guilty of lying?" known before, and preaches it in accordance with what is
"No, World-Honored One." appropriate, yet his intention is difficult to understand.
The Buddha said: "It is the same with me. It has been "Shariputra, ever since I attained Buddhahood I have
immeasurable, boundless hundreds, thousands, ten through various causes and various similes widely expounded
thousands, millions of nayuta and asamkhya kalpas since I my teachings and have used countless expedient means to
attained Buddhahood. But for the sake of living beings I guide living beings and cause them to renounce their
employ the power of expedient means and say that I am attachments. Why is this? Because the Thus Come One is fully
about to pass into extinction. In view of the circumstances, possessed of both expedient means and the paramita of
however, no one can say that I have been guilty of lies or wisdom.
falsehoods." "Shariputra, the wisdom of the Thus Come One is
At that time the World-Honored One, wishing to state expansive and profound. He has immeasurable [mercy],
his meaning once more, spoke in verse form, saying: unlimited [eloquence], power, fearlessness, concentration,
emancipation, and samadhis, and has deeply entered the
Since I attained Buddhahood boundless and awakened to the Law never before attained.
the number of kalpas that have passed "Shariputra, the Thus Come One knows how to make
is an immeasurable hundreds, thousands, ten various kinds of distinctions and to expound the teachings
thousands, skillfully. His words are soft and gentle and can delight the
millions, trillions, asamkhyas. hearts of the assembly.
Constantly I have preached the Law, teaching, "Shariputra, to sum it up: the Buddha has fully realized

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 Expedient Means Life Span of the Thus Come One

the Law that is limitless, boundless, never attained before. medicines to effectively cure all kinds of diseases. He has
"But stop, Shariputra, I will say no more. Why? many sons, perhaps ten, twenty, or even a hundred. He goes
Because what the Buddha has achieved is the rarest and off to some other land far away to see about a certain affair.
most difficult-to-understand Law. The true entity of all After he has gone, the children drink some kind of poison that
phenomena can only be understood and shared between makes them distraught with pain and they fall writhing to the
Buddhas. This reality consists of the appearance, nature, ground.
entity, power, influence, inherent cause, relation, latent "At that time the father returns to his home and finds
effect, manifest effect, and their consistency from beginning that his children have drunk poison. Some are completely out
to end." of their minds, while others are not. Seeing their father from
At that time the World-Honored One, wishing to state far off, all are overjoyed and kneel down and entreat him,
his meaning once more, spoke in verse form, saying: saying: 'How fine that you have returned safely. We were
stupid and by mistake drank some poison. We beg you to
The hero of the world is unfathomable. cure us and let us live out our lives!'
Among heavenly beings or the people of the "The father, seeing his children suffering like this,
world, follows various prescriptions. Gathering fine medicinal herbs
among all living beings, that meet all the requirements of color, fragrance and flavor,
none can understand the Buddha. he grinds, sifts and mixes them together. Giving a dose of
The Buddha's power, fearlessness, these to his children, he tells them: 'This is a highly effective
emancipation and samadhis medicine, meeting all the requirements of color, fragrance
and the Buddha's other attributes and flavor. Take it and you will quickly be relieved of your
no one can reckon or fathom. sufferings and will be free of all illness.'
Earlier, under the guidance of countless Buddhas "Those children who have not lost their senses can see
he fully acquired and practiced various ways, that this is good medicine, outstanding in both color and
profound, subtle and wonderful doctrines fragrance, so they take it immediately and are completely
that are hard to see and hard to understand. cured of their sickness. Those who are out of their minds are
For immeasurable millions of kalpas equally delighted to see their father return and beg him to
he has been practicing these ways cure their sickness, but when they are given the medicine,
until in the place of practice he achieved the they refuse to take it. Why? Because the poison has
goal. penetrated deeply and their minds no longer function as
I have already come to see and know before. So although the medicine is of excellent color and
completely fragrance, they do not perceive it as good.
this great goal and recompense, "The father thinks to himself: My poor children!
the meaning of these various natures and Because of the poison in them, their minds are completely
characteristics. befuddled. Although they are happy to see me and ask me
I and the other Buddhas of the ten directions to cure them, they refuse to take this excellent medicine. I
can now understand these things. must now resort to some expedient means to induce them to
This Law cannot be described, take the medicine. So he says to them: 'You should know that

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 Life Span of the Thus Come One Expedient Means

extinction. Good men, originally I practiced the bodhisattva words fall silent before it.
way, and the life span that I acquired then has yet to come Among the other kinds of living beings
to an end but will last twice the number of years that have there are none who can comprehend it,
already passed. Now, however, although in fact I do not except the many bodhisattvas
actually enter extinction, I announce that I am going to who are firm in the power of faith.
adopt the course of extinction. This is an expedient means The many disciples of the Buddhas
which the Thus Come One uses to teach and convert living in the past have given offerings to the Buddhas,
beings. have already cut off all outflows
"Why do I do this? Because if the Buddha remains in and now are dwelling in their last incarnation.
the world for a long time, those persons with shallow virtue will But even such persons as they
fail to plant good roots but, living in poverty and lowliness, will have not the power needed.
become attached to the five desires and be caught in the Even if the whole world
net of deluded thoughts and imaginings. If they see that the were filled with men like Shariputra,
Thus Come One is constantly in the world and never enters though they exhausted their thoughts and
extinction, they will grow arrogant and selfish, or become pooled their capacities,
discouraged and neglectful. They will fail to realize how they could not fathom the Buddha's knowledge.
difficult it is to encounter the Buddha and will not approach Even if ten directions
him with a respectful and reverent mind. were all filled with men like Shariputra
"Therefore as an expedient means the Thus Come or like the other disciples,
One says: 'Monks, you should know that it is a rare thing to though they filled the lands in the ten directions
live at a time when one of the Buddhas appears in the world.' and exhausted their thoughts and pooled their
Why does he do this? Because persons of shallow virtue may capacities,
pass immeasurable hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, still they could not understand it.
millions of kalpas with some of them chancing to see a If pratyekabuddhas, acute in understanding,
Buddha and others never seeing one at all. For this reason I without outflows, in their last incarnation,
say to them: 'Monks, the Thus Come One is hard to get to should fill the worlds in the ten directions,
see.' When living beings hear these words, they are certain to as numerous as bamboos in a grove,
realize how difficult it is to encounter the Buddha. In their though they should join together with one mind
minds they will harbor a longing and will thirst to gaze upon for a million or for countless kalpas,
the Buddha, and then they will work to plant good roots. hoping to conceive of the Buddha's true wisdom,
Therefore the Thus Come One, though in truth he does not they could not understand the smallest part of it.
enter extinction, speaks of passing into extinction. If bodhisattvas newly embarked on their course
"Good men, the Buddhas and Thus Come Ones all should give offerings to numberless Buddhas,
preach a Law such as this. They act in order to save living completely mastering the intent of the various
beings, so what they do is true and not false. doctrines
"Suppose, for example, that there is a skilled physician and also able to preach the Law effectively,
who is wise and understanding and knows how to compound like so many rice and hemp plants, bamboos or

42 11
 Expedient Means Life Span of the Thus Come One

reeds, make my appearance I say that I am about to enter nirvana,

filling the lands in the ten directions, and also employ different expedient means to preach the
with a single mind, with their wonderful subtle and wonderful Law, thus causing living beings to
knowledge, awaken joyful minds.
for kalpas numerous as Ganges sands "Good men, the Thus Come One observes how
should all together pool their thoughts and among living beings there are those who delight in a little
capacities, Law, meager in virtue and heavy with defilement. For such
they could not understand the Buddha's persons I describe how in my youth I left my household and
knowledge. attained anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. But in truth the time
If bodhisattvas who never regress, since I attained Buddhahood is extremely long, as I have told
their number like Ganges sands, you. It is simply that I use this expedient means to teach and
with a single mind should join in pondering and convert living beings and cause them to enter the Buddha
seeking, way. That is why I speak in this manner.
they could not understand it either. "Good men, the scriptures expounded by the Thus
I also announce to you, Shariputra, Come One are all for the purpose of saving and
that this profound, subtle and wonderful Law emancipating living beings. Sometimes I speak of myself,
without outflows, incomprehensible, sometimes of others; sometimes I present myself, sometimes
I have now attained in full. others; sometimes I show my own actions, sometimes those of
Only I understand its characteristics, others. All that I preach is true and not false.
and the Buddhas of the ten directions do "Why do I do this? The Thus Come One perceives the
likewise. true aspect of the threefold world exactly as it is. There is no
Shariputra, you should know ebb or flow of birth and death, and there is no existing in this
that the words of the various Buddhas never world and later entering extinction. It is neither substantial nor
differ. empty, neither consistent nor diverse. Nor is it what those who
Toward the Law preached by the Buddhas dwell in the threefold world perceive it to be. All such things
you must cultivate a great power of faith. the Thus Come One sees clearly and without error.
The World-Honored One has long expounded his "Because living beings have different natures,
doctrines different desires, different actions, and different ways of
and now must reveal the truth. thinking and making distinctions, and because I want to
I announce this to the assembly of voice-hearers enable them to put down good roots, I employ a variety of
and to those who seek the vehicle of the causes and conditions, similes, parables, and phrases and
pratyekabuddha: preach different doctrines. This, the Buddha's work, I have
I have enabled people to escape the bonds of never for a moment neglected.
suffering "Thus, since I attained Buddhahood, an extremely
and to attain nirvana. long period of time has passed. My life span is an
The Buddha, through the power of expedient immeasurable number of asamkhya kalpas, and during that
means, time I have constantly abided here without ever entering

12 41
 Life Span of the Thus Come One Expedient Means

he drops a particle of dust. He continues eastward in this way has shown them the teachings of the three
until he has finished dropping all the particles. Good men, vehicles,
what is your opinion? Can the total number of all these prying living beings loose from this or that
worlds be imagined or calculated?" attachment
The bodhisattva Maitreya and the others said to the and allowing them to attain release.
Buddha: "World-Honored One, these worlds are
immeasurable, boundless--one cannot calculate their At that time among the great assembly there were
number, nor does the mind have the power to encompass voice-hearers, arhats whose outflows had come to an end,
them. Even all the voice-hearers and pratyekabuddhas with Ajnata Kaundinya and the others, twelve hundred persons.
their wisdom free of outflows could not imagine or And there were monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen who
understand how many there are. Although we abide in the had conceived a desire to become voice-hearers or
stage of avivartika, we cannot comprehend such a matter. pratyekabuddhas. Each of these had this thought: Now for
World-Honored One, these worlds are immeasurable and what reason does the World-Honored One so earnestly praise
boundless." expedient means and state that the Law attained by the
At that time the Buddha said to the multitude of Buddha is profound and difficult to understand, that it is very
great bodhisattvas: "Good men, now I will state this to you difficult to comprehend the meaning of the words he
clearly. Suppose all these worlds, whether they received a preaches, that not one of the voice-hearers or
particle of dust or not, are once more reduced to dust. Let pratyekabuddhas can do so? If the Buddha preaches but
one particle represent one kalpa. The time that has passed one doctrine of emancipation, then we too should be able
since I attained Buddhahood surpasses this by a hundred, a to attain this Law and reach the state of nirvana. We cannot
thousand, ten thousand, a million nayuta asamkhya kalpas. follow the gist of what he is saying now.
"Ever since then I have been constantly in this saha At that time Shariputra understood the doubts that
world, preaching the Law, teaching and converting. And were in the minds of the four kinds of believers, and he
elsewhere I have led and benefited living beings in hundreds, himself had not fully comprehended. So he addressed the
thousands, ten thousands, millions of nayutas and asamkhyas Buddha, saying, "World-Honored One, what causes and
of lands. conditions lead you to earnestly praise expedient means, the
"Good men, during that time I have spoken about foremost device of the Buddhas, the profound, subtle and
the Buddha Burning Torch and others, and described how wonderful Law that is difficult to understand? From times past
they entered nirvana. All this I employed as an expedient I have never heard this kind of preaching from the Buddha.
means to make distinctions. Now the four kinds of believers all have doubts. We beg that
"Good men, if there are living beings who come to the World-Honored One will expound this matter. For what
me, I employ my Buddha eye to observe their faith and to reason does the World-Honored One earnestly praise this Law
see if their other faculties are keen or dull, and then that is profound, subtle and wonderful, difficult to
depending upon how receptive they are to salvation, I understand?"
appear in different places and preach to them under At that time Shariputra, wishing to state his meaning
different names, and describe the length of time during once more, spoke in verse form, saying:
which my teachings will be effective. Sometimes when I

40 13
 Expedient Means Life Span of the Thus Come One

Sun of wisdom, great sage and venerable one,

at long last you preach this Law.
Myoho Renge Kyo
You yourself declare you have attained
Chapter 16
power, fearlessness, samadhis,
concentration, emancipation, and these other The Life Span of the Thus Come One
attributes,
and the Law that is beyond comprehension. At that time the Buddha spoke to the bodhisattvas
This Law attained in the place of practice and all the great assembly: "Good men, you must believe
no one is capable of questioning you about. and understand the truthful words of the Thus Come One."
"My intention is hard to fathom, And again he said to the great assembly: "You must believe
and no one can question me." and understand the truthful words of the Thus Come One."
No one questions, yet you yourself preach, And once more he said to the great assembly: "You must
praising the path you walk on. believe and understand the truthful words of the Thus Come
Your wisdom is very subtle and wonderful, One."
that which all the Buddhas attain. At that time the bodhisattvas and the great
The arhats who are without outflows assembly, with Maitreya as their leader, pressed their palms
and those who seek nirvana together and addressed the Buddha, saying: "World-Honored
now have all fallen into the net of doubt, One, we beg you to explain. We will believe and accept the
wondering for what reason the Buddha Buddha's words." They spoke in this manner three times, and
preaches this. then said once more: "We beg you to explain it. We will
Those who seek to become pratyekabuddhas, believe and accept the Buddha's words."
monks and nuns, At that time the World-Honored One, seeing that the
heavenly beings, dragons and spirits, bodhisattvas repeated their request three times and more,
along with the gandharvas and others, spoke to them, saying: "You must listen carefully and hear of
look at one another, filled with perplexity, the Thus Come One's secret and his transcendental powers.
gazing upward at the most honored of two- In all the worlds the heavenly and human beings and asuras
legged beings. all believe that the present Shakyamuni Buddha, after
What is the meaning of all this? leaving the palace of the Shakyas, seated himself in the
I beg the Buddha to explain it for us. place of practice not far from the city of Gaya and there
Among the assembly of voice-hearers attained anuttara-samyak-sambodhi. But good men, it has
the Buddha has said I am foremost, been immeasurable, boundless hundreds, thousands, ten
yet now I lack the wisdom thousands, millions of nayutas of kalpas since I in fact
to solve these doubts and perplexities. attained Buddhahood.
Have I in fact grasped the ultimate Law, "Suppose a person were to take five hundred, a
or am I still on the path of practice? thousand, ten thousand, a million nayuta asamkhya
The sons born from the Buddha's mouth thousand-millionfold worlds and grind them to dust. Then,
press palms together, gaze upward and wait. moving eastward, each time he passes five hundred, a
thousand, ten thousand, a million nayuta asamkhya worlds

14 39
 Expedient Means

We beg you to put forth subtle and wonderful

sounds
and at this time explain to us how it really is.
The heavenly beings, dragons, spirits, and the
others,
their numbers like Ganges sands,
the bodhisattvas seeking to be Buddhas
in a great force of eighty thousand,
as well as the wheel-turning sage kings
come from ten thousands of millions of lands,
all press their palms and with reverent minds
wish to hear the teaching of perfect
endowment.

At that time the Buddha addressed Shariputra,

saying, "Stop, stop! There is no need to speak further. If I
speak of this matter, then the heavenly and human beings
throughout the worlds will all be astonished and doubtful."
Shariputra once more spoke to the Buddha, saying,
"World-Honored One, we beg you to preach! We beg you to
preach! What is the reason? Because this assembly of
countless hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, millions of
asamkhyas of living beings in the past have seen the
Buddhas; their faculties are vigorous and acute and their
wisdom is bright. If they hear the Buddha preach, they will be
capable of reverent belief."
At that time Shariputra, wishing to state his meaning
once more, spoke in verse form, saying:

Dharma King, none more highly honored,

speak, we beg you, without reserve!
In this assembly of numberless beings
are those capable of reverent belief.

The Buddha repeated, "Stop, Shariputra! If I speak of

this matter, the heavenly and human beings and asuras
throughout the worlds will all be astonished and doubtful. The

15
 Expedient Means Expedient Means

monks who are overbearingly arrogant will fall into a great who have determined to seek the Buddha way,
pit." then for the sake of such as these
At that time the World-Honored One repeated what one should widely praise the way of the single
he had said in verse form: vehicle.
Shariputra, you should understand this.
Stop, stop, no need to speak! The Law of the Buddhas is like this.
My Law is wonderful and difficult to ponder. Employing ten thousand, a million expedient
Those who are overbearingly arrogant means,
when they hear it will never show reverent belief. they accord with what is appropriate in
preaching the Law.
At that time Shariputra once more spoke to the Those who are not versed in the matter
Buddha, saying, "World-Honored One, we beg you to cannot fully comprehend this.
preach! We beg you to preach! In this assembly at present But you and the others already know
the persons like myself number in the hundreds, thousands, how the Buddhas, the teachers of the world,
ten thousands, millions. In age after age we have already accord with what is appropriate in employing
attended the Buddhas and received instruction. People of expedient means.
this kind are certain to be capable of reverent belief. You will have no more doubts or perplexities
Throughout the long night they will gain peace and rest and but, your minds filled with great joy,
will enjoy many benefits." will know that you yourselves will attain
At that time Shariputra, wishing to state his meaning Buddhahood.
once more, spoke in verse form,
saying:

Supremely honored among two-legged beings,

we beg you to preach this foremost Law.
I who am regarded as the Buddha's eldest son
ask you to favor us by preaching distinctions.
The countless members of this assembly
are capable of according reverent belief to this
Law.
The Buddhas have already in age after age
taught and converted them in this manner.
All with a single mind and palms pressed
together
desire to hear and receive the Buddha's words.
I and the other twelve hundred of our group,
as well as the others who seek to become

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 Expedient Means Expedient Means

and a person capable of listening to this Law, Buddhas,

such a person is likewise rare. beg that for the sake of this assembly
It is like the udumbara flower you will favor us by preaching distinctions.
which all the world loves and delights in, When we hear this Law
which heavenly and human beings look on as we will be filled with great joy.
something rare,
but which appears only once in many many At that time the World-Honored One said to
ages. Shariputra, "Three times you have stated your earnest
If a person hears this Law, delights and praises it, request. How can I do other than preach? Now you must
even if he utters just one word, listen attentively and carefully ponder. For your sake I will now
then he has made offerings analyze and explain the matter."
to all the Buddhas of the three existences. When he had spoken these words, there were some
But a person like this is very rarely found, five thousand monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen in the
rarer than the udumbara flower. assembly who immediately rose from their seats, bowed to
You should have no doubts. the Buddha, and withdrew. What was the reason for this?
I, being king of the doctrines, These persons had roots of guilt that were deep and
make this announcement to the entire great manifold, and in addition they were overbearingly arrogant.
assembly. What they had not attained they supposed they had
I employ only the single vehicle way attained, what they had not understood they supposed they
to teach and convert the bodhisattvas, had understood. And because they had this failing, they did
I have no voice-hearer disciples. not remain where they were.
You, Shariputra, The World-Honored One was silent and did not try to
and the voice-hearers and bodhisattvas, detain them.
you should understand that this wonderful Law At this time the Buddha said to Shariputra, "Now this
is the secret crux of the Buddhas. assembly of mine is free of branches and leaves, made up
In this evil world of the five impurities solely of the steadfast and truthful. Shariputra, it is well that
those who merely delight in and are attached to these persons of overbearing arrogance have withdrawn.
the desires, Now listen carefully and I will preach for you."
living beings such as this Shariputra said, "So be it, World-Honored One. We are
in the end will never seek the Buddha way. eager to listen!"
When evil persons in ages to come The Buddha said to Shariputra, "A wonderful Law such
hear the Buddha preach the single vehicle, as this is preached by the Buddhas, the Thus Come Ones, at
they will be confused, will not believe or accept certain times. But like the blooming of the udumbara, such
it, times come very seldom. Shariputra, you and the others must
will reject the Law and fall into the evil paths. believe me. The words that the Buddhas preach are not
But when there are those with a sense of shame, empty or false.
persons of purity "Shariputra, the Buddhas preach the Law in

36 17
 Expedient Means Expedient Means

accordance with what is appropriate, but the meaning is Buddha,

difficult to understand. Why is this? Because we employ every one with a respectful and reverent mind,
countless expedient means, discussing causes and conditions all coming to the place of the Buddha,
and using words of simile and parable to expound the persons who in the past had listened to other
teachings. This Law is not something that can be understood Buddhas
through pondering or analysis. Only those who are Buddhas and heard the Law preached through expedient
can understand it. Why is this? Because the Buddhas, the means.
World-Honored Ones, appear in the world for one great Immediately the thought came to me
reason alone. Shariputra, what does it mean to say that the that the reason the Thus Come One has
Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones, appear in the world for appeared
one great reason alone? is so he may preach the Buddha wisdom.
"The Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones, wish to open Now is precisely the time to do so.
the door of Buddha wisdom to all living beings, to allow them Shariputra, you should understand
to attain purity. That is why they appear in the world. They that persons of dull capacity and small wisdom,
wish to show the Buddha wisdom to living beings, and who are attached to appearances, proud and
therefore they appear in the world. They wish to cause living overbearing,
beings to awaken to the Buddha wisdom, and therefore they are incapable of believing in this Law.
appear in the world. They wish to induce living beings to Now I, joyful and fearless,
enter the path of Buddha wisdom, and therefore they in the midst of the bodhisattvas,
appear in the world. Shariputra, this is the one great reason honestly discarding expedient means,
for which the Buddhas appear in the world." will preach only the unsurpassed way.
The Buddha said to Shariputra, "The Buddhas, the Thus When the bodhisattvas hear this Law,
Come Ones, simply teach and convert the bodhisattvas. All they will be released from all entanglements of
the things they do are at all times done for this one purpose. doubt.
They simply wish to show the Buddha wisdom to living beings The twelve hundred arhats,
and enlighten them to it. they too will all attain Buddhahood.
"Shariputra, the Thus Come Ones have only a single Following the same fashion that the Buddhas of
Buddha vehicle which they employ in order to preach the the three existences
Law to living beings. They do not have any other vehicle, a employ in preaching the Law,
second one or a third one. Shariputra, the Law preached by I now will do likewise,
all the Buddhas of the ten directions is the same as this. preaching a Law that is without distinctions.
"Shariputra, the Buddhas of the past used countless The times when the Buddhas appear in the world
numbers of expedient means, various causes and conditions, are far apart and difficult to encounter.
and words of simile and parable in order to expound the And even when they appear in the world
doctrines for the sake of living beings. These doctrines are all it is difficult for them to preach this Law.
for the sake of the one Buddha vehicle. These living beings, Throughout incalculable, innumerable kalpas
by listening to the doctrines of the Buddhas, are all eventually it is rare that one may hear this Law,

18 35
 Expedient Means Expedient Means

People of small wisdom delight in a small Law, able to attain wisdom embracing all species.
unable to believe that they themselves could "Shariputra, when the Buddhas of the future make
become Buddhas. their appearance in the world, they too will use countless
Therefore we employ expedient means, numbers of expedient means, various causes and conditions,
making distinctions and preaching various goals. and words of simile and parable in order to expound the
But though we preach the three vehicles, doctrines for the sake of living beings. These doctrines will all
we do it merely in order to teach the be for the sake of the one Buddha vehicle. And these living
bodhisattvas." beings, by listening to the doctrines of the Buddhas, will all
Shariputra, you should understand this. eventually be able to attain wisdom embracing all species.
When I heard these saintly lions "Shariputra, the Buddhas, the World-Honored Ones,
and their deep, pure, subtle, wonderful sounds, who exist at present in the countless hundreds, thousands, ten
I rejoiced, crying "Hail to the Buddhas!" thousands, and millions of Buddha lands in the ten directions,
Then I thought to myself, benefit and bring peace and happiness to living beings in
I have come into this impure and evil world, large measure. These Buddhas too use countless numbers of
and as these Buddhas have preached, expedient means, various causes and conditions, and words
I too must follow that example in my actions. of simile and parable in order to expound the doctrines for
After I had thought of the matter in this way, the sake of living beings. These doctrines are all for the sake
I set out at once for Varanasi. of the one Buddha vehicle. And these living beings, by
The marks of tranquil extinction borne by all listening to the doctrines of the Buddhas, are all eventually
phenomena able to attain wisdom embracing all species.
cannot be explained in words, Shariputra, these Buddhas simply teach and convert
and therefore I used the power of expedient the bodhisattvas. They do it because they wish to show the
means Buddha wisdom to living beings. They do it because they wish
to preach to the five ascetics. to use the Buddha wisdom to enlighten living beings. They do
This I termed turning the wheel of the Law, it because they wish to cause living beings to enter the path
and also with regard to "the sound of nirvana," of Buddha wisdom.
and "arhat," "Dharma" and "Samgha," "Shariputra, I too will now do the same. I know that
I used these terms to indicate distinctions. living beings have various desires, attachments that are
"From infinite kalpas in the past deeply implanted in their minds. Taking cognizance of this
I have extolled and taught the Law of nirvana, basic nature of theirs, I will therefore use various causes and
ending the long sufferings of birth and death." conditions, words of simile and parable, and the power of
This is how I customarily preached. expedient means and expound the Law for them. Shariputra,
Shariputra, you should know this. I do this so that all of them may attain the one Buddha
When I looked at the Buddha sons, vehicle and wisdom embracing all species.
I saw incalculable thousands, ten thousands, "Shariputra, in the worlds of the ten directions, there
millions are not two vehicles, much less three! Shariputra, the
who had determined to seek the way of the Buddhas appear in evil worlds of five impurities. These are the

34 19
 Expedient Means Expedient Means

so-called impurity of the age, impurity of desire, impurity of the Four Heavenly Kings who guard the world,
living beings, impurity of view, and impurity of life span. and the heavenly king Great Freedom,
"Shariputra, when the age is impure and the times are in company with the other heavenly beings
chaotic, then the defilements of living beings are grave, they and their hundreds and thousands and ten
are greedy and jealous and put down roots that are not thousands of followers,
good. Because of this, the Buddhas, utilizing the power of reverently pressed their palms together and
expedient means, apply distinctions to the one Buddha bowed,
vehicle and preach as though it were three. begging me to turn the wheel of the Law.
"Shariputra, if any of my disciples should claim to be Immediately I thought to myself
an arhat or a pratyekabuddha and yet does not heed or that if I merely praised the Buddha vehicle,
understand that the Buddhas, the Thus Come Ones, simply then the living beings, sunk in their suffering,
teach and convert the bodhisattvas, then he is no disciple of would be incapable of believing in this Law.
mine, he is no arhat or pratyekabuddha. And because they rejected the Law and failed
"Again, Shariputra, if there should be monks or nuns to believe in it,
who claim that they have already attained the status of they would fall into the three evil paths.
arhat, that this is their last incarnation, that they have It would be better if I did not preach the Law
reached the final nirvana, and that therefore they have no but quickly entered into nirvana.
further intention of seeking annuttara-samyak-sambodhi, Then my thoughts turned to the Buddhas of the
then you should understand that such as these are all persons past
of overbearing arrogance. Why do I say this? Because if and the power of expedient means they had
there are monks who have truly attained the status of arhat, employed,
then it would be unthinkable that they should fail to believe and I thought that the way I had now attained
this Law. The only exception would be in a time after the should likewise be preached as three vehicles.
Buddha had passed away, when there was no Buddha When I thought in this manner,
present in the world. Why is this? Because after the Buddha the Buddhas of the ten directions all appeared
has passed away it will be difficult to find anyone who can and with brahma sounds comforted and
embrace, recite, and understand the meaning of sutras such instructed me.
as this. But if persons at that time encounter another Buddha, "Well done, Shakyamuni!" they said.
then they will attain decisive understanding with regard to "Foremost leader and teacher,
this Law. you have attained the unsurpassed Law.
"Shariputra, you and the others should with a single But following the example of all other Buddhas,
mind believe and accept the words of the Buddha. The you will employ the power of expedient means.
words of the Buddhas, the Thus Come Ones, are not empty or We too have all attained
false. There is no other vehicle, there is only the one Buddha the most wonderful, the foremost Law,
vehicle." but for the sake of living beings
At that time the World-Honored One, wishing to state we make distinctions and preach the three
his meaning once more, spoke in verse form, saying: vehicles.

20 33
 Expedient Means Expedient Means

doctrines,
causing all living beings to attain joy and There are monks and nuns
gladness. who behave with overbearing arrogance,
Shariputra, you should understand laymen full of self-esteem,
that I view things through the Buddha eye, laywomen who are lacking in faith.
I see the living beings in the six paths, Among the four kinds of believers, the likes of
how poor and distressed they are, without merit these
or wisdom, number five thousand.
how they enter the perilous road of birth and They fail to see their own errors,
death, are heedless and remiss with regard to the
their sufferings continuing with never a break, precepts,
how deeply they are attached to the five clinging to their shortcomings, unwilling to
desires, change.
like a yak enamoured of its tail, But these persons of small wisdom have already
blinding themselves with greed and infatuation, left;
their vision so impaired they can see nothing. the chaff among this assembly
They do not seek the Buddha, with his great has departed in the face of the Buddha's
might, authority.
or the Law that can end their sufferings, These persons were of paltry merit and virtue,
but enter deeply into erroneous views, incapable of receiving this Law.
hoping to shed suffering through greater This assembly is now free of branches and leaves,
suffering. made up only of those steadfast and truthful.
For the sake of these living beings Shariputra, listen carefully,
I summon up a mind of great compassion. for the Law which the Buddhas have attained,
When I first sat in the place of practice through the power of countless expedient means
and gazed at the tree and walked around it, they preach for the benefit of living beings.
for the space of three times seven days The thoughts that are in the minds of living
I pondered the matter in this way. beings,
The wisdom I have attained, I thought, the different types of paths they follow,
is subtle, wonderful, the foremost. their various desires and natures,
But living beings, dull in capacity, the good and bad deeds they have done in
are addicted to pleasure and blinded by previous existences --
stupidity. all these the Buddha takes cognizance of,
With persons such as this, and then he employs causes, similes and
what can I say, how can I save them? parables,
At that time the Brahma kings, words that embody the power of expedient
along with the heavenly king Shakra, means,

32 21
 Expedient Means Expedient Means

in order to gladden and please them all. expedient means.

Sometimes he preaches sutras, The presently existing Buddhas of the ten
verses, stories of the previous lives of disciples, directions,
stories of the previous lives of the Buddha, of whom heavenly and human beings make
unheard-of things. offerings to,
At other times he preaches regarding causes who in number are like Ganges sands,
and conditions, they have appeared in the world
uses similes, parables, passages of poetry in order to bring peace and comfort to living
or discourses. beings,
For those of dull capacities who delight in a little and they too preach the Law in this way.
Law, They understand the foremost truth of tranquil
who greedily cling to birth and death, extinction
who, despite the innumerable Buddhas, and therefore employ the power of expedient
fail to practice the profound and wonderful way means,
but are perplexed and confused by a host of and though they point out various different
troublesh— paths,
for these I preach nirvana. in truth they do so for the sake of the Buddha
I devise these expedient means vehicle.
and so cause them to enter into the Buddha They understand the actions of living beings,
wisdom. the thoughts that lie deep in their minds,
Up to now I have never told you the deeds they have carried out in the past,
that you were certain to attain the Buddha way. their desires, their nature, the power of their
The reason I never preached in that manner exertions,
was that the time to preach so had not yet and whether their capacities are acute or dull,
come. and so they employ various causes and
But now is the very time conditions,
when I must decisively preach the Great Vehicle. similes, parables, and other words and phrases,
I use these nine devices, adapting what expedient means are suitable to
adapting them to the living beings when I their preaching.
preach, Now I too am like this;
my basic aim being to lead them into the Great in order to bring peace and comfort to living
Vehicle, beings
and that is why I preach this sutra. I employ various different doctrines
There are sons of the Buddha whose minds are to disseminate the Buddha way.
pure, Through the power of my wisdom
who are gentle and of acute capacities, I know the nature and desires of living beings
who under innumerable Buddhas and through expedient means I preach these

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 Expedient Means Expedient Means

The World-Honored Ones of the future, have practiced the profound and wonderful
whose numbers will be incalculable, way.
these Thus Come Ones For these sons of the Buddha
will also employ expedient means to preach the I preach this sutra of the Great Vehicle.
Law, And I predict that these persons
and all these Thus Come Ones in a future existence will attain the Buddha way.
through countless expedient means Because deep in their minds they think of the
will save and bring release to living beings Buddha
so that they enter the Buddha's wisdom which is and practice and uphold the pure precepts,
free of outflows. they are assured they will attain Buddhahood,
If there are those who hear the Law, and hearing this, their whole bodies are filled
then not a one will fail to attain Buddhahood. with great joy.
The original vow of the Buddhas The Buddha knows their minds and their
was that the Buddha way, which they practices
themselves practice, and therefore preaches for them the Great
should be shared universally among living beings Vehicle.
so that they too may attain this same way. When the voice-hearers and bodhisattvas
The Buddhas of future ages, hear this Law that I preach,
although they preach hundreds, thousands, as soon as they have heard one verse
millions, they will all without doubt be certain of attaining
a countless number of doctrines, Buddhahood.
in truth do so for the sake of the single vehicle. In the Buddha lands of the ten directions
The Buddhas, most honored of two-legged there is only the Law of the one vehicle,
beings, there are not two, there are not three,
know that phenomena have no constantly fixed except when the Buddha preaches so as an
nature, expedient means,
that the seeds of Buddhahood sprout through merely employing provisional names and terms
causation, in order to conduct and guide living beings
and for this reason they preach the single and preach to them the Buddha wisdom.
vehicle. The Buddhas appear in the world
But that these phenomena are part of an solely for this one reason, which is true;
abiding Law, the other two are not the truth.
that the characteristics of the world are Never do they use a lesser vehicle
constantly abiding -- to save living beings and ferry them across.
this they have come to know in the place of The Buddha himself dwells in this Great Vehicle,
practice, and adorned with the power of meditation and
and as leaders and teachers they preach wisdom

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 Expedient Means Expedient Means

that go with the Law he has attained, or if they should employ persons to make music,
he uses it to save living beings. striking drums or blowing horns or conch shells,
He himself testifies to the unsurpassed way, playing pipes, flutes, zithers, harps,
the Great Vehicle, the Law in which all things are balloon guitars, cymbals and gongs,
equal. and if these many kinds of wonderful notes
If I used a lesser vehicle are intended wholly as an offering;
to convert even one person, or if one with a joyful mind
I would be guilty of stinginess and greed, sings a song in praise of the Buddha's virtue,
but such a thing would be impossible. even if it is just one small note,
If a person will believe and take refuge in the then all who do these things have attained the
Buddha, Buddha way.
the Thus Come One will never deceive him, If someone with a confused and distracted mind
nor will he ever show greed or jealousy, should take even one flower
for he has rooted out evil from among the and offer it to a painted image,
phenomena. in time he would come to see countless
Therefore throughout the ten directions Buddhas.
the Buddha alone is without fear. Or if a person should bow or perform obeisance,
I adorn my body with the special characteristics or should merely press his palms together,
and shine my light upon the world. or even should raise a single hand,
I am honored by numberless multitudes or give no more than a slight nod of the head,
and for them I preach the emblem of the reality and if this were done in offering to an image,
of things. then in time he would come to see countless
Shariputra, you should know Buddhas.
that at the start I took a vow, And if he himself attains the unsurpassed way
hoping to make all persons and spreads salvation abroad to countless
equal to me, without any distinction between us, multitudes,
and what I long ago hoped for he will enter the nirvana of no remainder
has now been fulfilled. as a fire dies out when the firewood is exhausted.
I have converted all living beings If persons with confused and distracted minds
and caused them all to enter the Buddha way. should enter a memorial tower
If when I encounter living beings and once exclaim, "Hail to the Buddha!"
I were in all cases to teach them the Buddha then all have attained the Buddha way.
way, If from past Buddhas
those without wisdom would become confused when they were in the world or after their
and in their bewilderment would fail to accept extinction,
my teachings. there should be those who heard this Law,
I know that such living beings then all have attained the Buddha way.

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 Expedient Means Expedient Means

fashion and set up images, have never in the past cultivated good roots
carving them with many distinguishing but have stubbornly clung to the five desires,
characteristics, and their folly and craving have given rise to
then all have attained the Buddha way. affliction.
Or if they make things out of the seven kinds of Their desires are the cause
gems, whereby they fall into the three evil paths,
of copper, red or white copper, revolving wheel-like through the six realms of
pewter, lead, tin, existence
iron, wood, or clay, and undergoing every sort of suffering and pain.
or use cloth soaked in lacquer or resin Having received a tiny form in the womb,
to adorn and fashion Buddha images, in existence after existence they constantly grow
then persons such as these to maturity.
have all attained the Buddha way. Persons of meager virtue and small merit,
If they employ pigments to paint Buddha they are troubled and beset by manifold
images, sufferings.
endowing them with the characteristics of They stray into the dense forest of mistaken
hundredfold merit, views,
if they make them themselves or have others debating as to what exists and what does not,
make them, and in the end cling to such views,
then all have attained the Buddha way. embracing all sixty-two of them.
Even if little boys in play They are profoundly committed to false and
should use a piece of grass or wood or a brush, empty doctrines,
or perhaps a fingernail holding firmly to them, unable to set them aside.
to draw an image of the Buddha, Arrogant and puffed up with self-importance,
such persons as these fawning and devious, insincere in mind,
bit by bit will pile up merit for a thousand, ten thousand, a million kalpas
and will become fully endowed with a mind of they will not hear the Buddha's name,
great compassion; nor will they hear the correct Law --
they all have attained the Buddha way. such people are difficult to save.
Merely by converting the bodhisattvas For these reasons, Shariputra,
they bring salvation and release to numberless I have for their sake established expedient
multitudes. means,
And if persons, in the presence of such memorial preaching the way that ends all suffering,
towers, and showing them nirvana.
such jeweled images and painted images, But although I preach nirvana,
should with reverent minds make offerings this is not a true extinction.
of flowers, incense, banners or canopies, All phenomena from the very first

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 Expedient Means Expedient Means

have of themselves constantly borne the marks have employed still other expedient means
of tranquil extinction. to help illuminate the highest truth.
Once the sons of the Buddha have carried out If there are living beings
this path, who have encountered these past Buddhas,
then in a future existence they will be able to and if they have listened to their Law, presented
become Buddhas. alms,
I have employed the power of expedient means or kept the precepts, shown forbearance,
to unfold and demonstrate this doctrine of three been assiduous, practiced meditation and
vehicles, wisdom, and so forth,
but the World-Honored Ones, every one of them, cultivating various kinds of merit and virtue,
all preach the single vehicle way. then persons such as these
Now before this great assembly all have attained the Buddha way.
I must clear away all doubts and perplexities. After the Buddhas have passed into extinction,
There is no discrepancy in the words of the if persons are of good and gentle mind,
Buddhas, then living beings such as these
there is only the one vehicle, not two. have all attained the Buddha way.
For numberless kalpas in the past After the Buddhas have passed into extinction,
countless Buddhas who have now entered if persons make offerings to the relics,
extinction, raising ten thousand or a million kinds of towers,
a hundred, thousand, ten thousand, million types using gold, silver and crystal,
in numbers incapable of calculation -- seashell and agate,
such World-Honored Ones, carnelian, lapis lazuli, pearls
using different types of causes, similes, and to purify and adorn them extensively,
parables, in this way erecting towers;
the power of countless expedient means, or if they raise up stone mortuary temples
have expounded the characteristics of or those of sandalwood or aloes,
teachings. hovenia or other kinds of timber,
These World-Honored Ones or of brick, tile, clay or earth;
have all preached the doctrine of the single if in the midst of the broad fields
vehicle, they pile up earth to make a mortuary temple for
converting countless living beings the Buddhas,
and causing them to enter the Buddha way. or even if little boys at play
And these great sage lords, should collect sand to make a Buddha tower,
knowing what is desired deep in the minds then persons such as these
of the heavenly and human beings and the have all attained the Buddha way.
other living things If there are persons who for the sake of the
throughout all the worlds, Buddha

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