Tuesday, June 1, 2010

From Buddhism: Anantamukha-nirhara-nama-dharani

Anantamukha-nirhara-nama-dharani, the name of a Mahayana sutra, a fragment which mentions a feat of supernatural power performed by Sariputra, by which all the monks residing in the neighborhood were brought together in the hall of the Mahavana.

So, it is said in the sutra: “Wherever conflicts arise amongst living creatures the sense of possession is the cause. For this cause let a man leave any place where desire may arise. For the world is at the feet of him who is rid of desire.”

Beginning with an adoration to the Buddha and all bodhisattvas, the venue of the preaching of the sutra was the Kutagarasala in the Mahavana at Visala.

The Buddha addresses Maudgalyayana and says, “Let all those monks who live in the thousands of worlds you have visited assemble in the Kutagara hall.”

Instantly Maudgalyayana appeared on the peak of Mount Sumera and said in a voice that could be heard and understand in the thousand worlds, “Listen, all you beings in the world: A sermon shall be preached here. May those desirous of listening come.”

Hearing this, four myriads of monks assembled there. Then Sariputra exercised his supernatural power and brought together all monks who were followers of the Sravakayana, Pratyekabuddhayans and Mahayana.

The Buddha then addressed bodhisattvas of different categories, some of whose names are mentioned, and wished that they would assemble. They did so in groups of millions.

Sariputra observed the admirable attainments of the bodhisattvas and asked the Buddha how they acquired them. The Buddha said that it was through the power of a dharani which he quoted.

The sutra ends with the statement that the congregation lauded the sermon of the Buddha.

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