Buddhist Verses & Silent Readings For Reflection (静思语） - Part 6

[Renzokukenz]

I wouldn't be so active in this thread if not for informative and knowledgable folks like you

Thank you so much

[The sutta below is from Pali Canon shared by waterbright Shixiong in thread 5. While evil spirits and masters can target those who do good, they are unlikely to succeed. Yakkha refers to a demon]

Ud 4:4 Moonlit (Juñha Sutta)

I have heard that on one occasion the Blessed One was staying near Rājagaha at the Bamboo Forest, the Squirrels’ Sanctuary. And on that occasion Ven. Sāriputta and Ven. Mahā Moggallāna were staying in Pigeon Cave. Then, on a moonlit night, Ven. Sāriputta–his head newly shaven–was sitting in the open air, having attained a certain level of concentration.

And on that occasion two yakkhas who were companions were flying from north to south on some business or other. They saw Ven. Sāriputta–his head newly shaven–sitting in the open air. Seeing him, the first yakkha said to the second, “I’m inspired to give this contemplative a blow on the head.”

When this was said, the second yakkha said to the first, “Enough of that, my good friend. Don’t lay a hand on the contemplative. He’s an outstanding contemplative, of great power & great might.”

A second time, the first yakkha said to the second, “I’m inspired to give this contemplative a blow on the head.”

A second time, the second yakkha said to the first, “Enough of that, my good friend. Don’t lay a hand on the contemplative. He’s an outstanding contemplative, of great power & great might.”

A third time, the first yakkha said to the second, “I’m inspired to give this contemplative a blow on the head.”

A third time, the second yakkha said to the first, “Enough of that, my good friend. Don’t lay a hand on the contemplative. He’s an outstanding contemplative, of great power & great might.”

Then the first yakkha, ignoring the second yakkha, gave Ven. Sāriputta a blow on the head. And with that blow he might have knocked over an elephant seven or eight cubits tall, or split a great rocky crag. But right there the yakkha–yelling, “I’m burning!”–fell into the Great Hell.

Now, Ven. Moggallāna–with his divine eye, pure and surpassing the human–saw the yakkha give Ven. Sāriputta a blow on the head. Seeing this, he went to Ven. Sāriputta and, on arrival, said to him, “I hope you are well, friend Sāriputta. I hope you are comfortable. I hope you are feeling no pain.”

“I am well, friend Moggallāna. I am comfortable. But I do have a slight headache.”

“How amazing, friend Sāriputta! How astounding! How great your power & might! Just now a yakkha gave you a blow on the head. So great was that blow that he might have knocked over an elephant seven or eight cubits tall, or split a great rocky crag. But all you say is this: ‘I am well, friend Moggallāna. I am comfortable. But I do have a slight headache’!”

“How amazing, friend Moggallāna! How astounding! How great your power & might! Where you saw a yakkha just now, I didn’t even see a dust devil!”

The Blessed One–with the divine ear-property, pure and surpassing the human–heard those two great beings conversing in this way. Then, on realizing the significance of that, the Blessed One on that occasion exclaimed:

Whose mind, standing like rock,

doesn’t shake,

dispassionate for things that spark passion,

unprovoked by things that spark provocation:

When one’s mind is developed like this,

from where can there come to him

suffering & stress? (1)

Note

1. A variant of this verse is attributed to Ven. Khitaka at Thag 2:36 (verses 191-192 in the PTS edition):

Whose mind, standing like rock,

doesn’t shake,

dispassionate for things that spark passion,

unprovoked by things that spark provocation?

When one’s mind is developed like this,

from where can there come to him

suffering & stress?

My mind, standing like rock,

doesn’t shake,

dispassionate for things that spark passion,

unprovoked by things that spark provocation.

When my mind is developed like this,

from where can there come to me

suffering & stress?

 

[Renzokukenz]

Yes, that's right, using beads is a method taught in the sutra. The sutra mentions about multiplier of merits based on different beads.

佛说校量数珠功德经 (entire sutra below):

尔时文殊师利法王子菩萨摩诃萨。为欲利益诸有情故。以大悲心告诸大众言。汝等善听我今演说。

受持数珠校量功德获益差别若有诵念诸陀罗尼及佛名者。

为欲自利及护他人。速求诸法得成验者。其数珠法应有如是须当受持。

若用铁为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福五倍。

若用赤铜为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福十倍。

若用真珠珊瑚等为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福百倍。

若用木患子为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福千倍。若求往生诸佛净土及天宫者。应受此珠。

若用莲子为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福万倍。

若用因陀啰佉叉为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福百万倍。

若用乌嚧陀啰佉叉为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福千万倍。

若用水精为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福万万倍。

若菩提子为数珠者。或用掏念或但手持。数诵一遍其福无量。不可算数难可校量。

诸善男子其菩提子者。若复有人手持此珠。不能依法念诵佛名及陀罗尼。此善男子但能手持随身。行住坐卧所出言语若善若恶。斯由此人以持菩提子故。得福等同如念诸佛诵咒无异。获福无量。

其数珠者。要当须满一百八颗。如其难得或为五十四。或二十七或十四亦皆得用。此即数珠法相差别。

诸善男子。以何因缘我今独赞用菩提子获益最胜。诸人善听。我为汝等重说昔因。

过去有佛出现于世。在此树下成等正觉。时一外道信邪倒见毁谤三宝。彼有一男忽被非人打杀。外道念言我今邪盛。未审诸佛有何神力。如来既是在此树下成等正觉。若佛是圣树应有感。即将亡子卧着菩提树下。作如是言。佛树若圣我子必苏。以经七日诵念佛名。其子乃得重苏。外道赞言。诸佛神力我未曾见。佛成道树现此希奇。甚大威德难可思议。诸外道等悉舍邪归正发菩提心。信知佛力不可思议。诸人咸号为延命树。以此因缘有其二名。应当知之。我为汝等视其所要。说此语已。

佛言善哉善哉文殊师利法王子。如汝所说一无有异。一切大众闻此持珠校量功德。皆大欢喜信受奉行”

English Translation by Google for anyone who wants to read this:

Yes, that's right, using beads is a method taught in the sutra. The sutra mentions about multiplier of merits based on different beads.

Buddhism said the entire sutra below:

At that time, Manjushri Lifa Prince Bodhisattva Mahasattva. All sentient beings want to benefit. Tell the public with great compassion. You wait for Shan to listen to my speech today.

If there is one who recites the names of the Dharani and the Buddha, the difference in the merits and benefits of receiving the number of beads.

For self-interest and protection of others. Those who quickly seek success in all dharma. The method of counting beads should be held as such.

If iron is used as the number of beads. Recite it once and get five times the blessing.

If you use red copper as the number of beads. Recite it once and get ten times more blessed.

If you use pearl coral, etc. for the number of beads. Reciting it over and over is a hundred times blessing.

If you use wooden sapin for the number of beads. Reciting it over and over is a thousand times blessing. If you seek rebirth in the Pure Land of Buddhas and Heavenly Palace. Should be affected by this bead.

If you use lotus seeds as the number of beads. Reciting it over and over again will be blessed.

If you use Indra as the number of beads. Reciting it over and over will be a million times blessing.

If you use Wuli Tuo La and Cha as the number of beads. Reciting it over and over is blessed thousands of times.

If the water essence is the number of beads. Reciting it over and over again will be blessed.

If Bodhi is the one who counts beads. Or use Di Nian or but hold. Recite the countless blessings. Uncountable and difficult to calibrate.


The translation cannot make it though

For example:

What is Pearl Coral??
What is Wooden Sapin?
Lotus Seed I guess is the white white bead with many dots on it
What is Indra???
What is Wuli Tuo La and Cha???
Water essence???

send help please

 

[AUTUMN&WINTER]

1. 现在贤劫千佛名经 mentions that 释迦牟尼佛 is the fourth Buddha to appear in our Earth, and the next one is 弥勒佛. The sutra continues to tell of the coming of all other Buddhas before the destruction of planet Earth. Out of 1000 Buddhas, we are definitely very familiar with 释迦牟尼佛 and the coming 弥勒佛. The others are too far away in the past or future to concern us.

现在贤劫千佛名经
南无拘留孙佛　南无拘那含牟尼佛　南无迦叶佛　南无释迦牟尼佛　南无弥勒佛

2. 三千大千世界

A Buddha is in charge of teaching the beings in 三千大千世界. At any given time, there will be only one Buddha. Guanyin and 文殊师利菩萨 are actually Buddhas in other lands, and they manifest as 菩萨 to aid 释迦牟尼佛

3. Reading sutras

Most of us read too few sutras. That's why we are not familiar with other purelands except Medicine Buddha's pureland, and Western Pureland.

Personally I like 阿閦净土 more than Western Pureland. 阿閦佛国经 has a detailed description of the pureland. The entry requirement is a bit higher than Western Pureland. In fact, Western Pureland has the lowest entry requirement. That's why it's popular.

The pureland of 文殊 is much better than Western Pureland. However, the entry requirements must be very high because 释迦牟尼佛 and 文殊师利菩萨 never extend invitation.

文殊师利佛土严净经 compares Western Pureland and the Pureland of 文殊.

“假譬言之，如取一毛破为百分，以一分毛取海水一滴。无量寿佛如一分毛、水一滴耳。”

Western Pureland is just a drop of water compared to the great ocean of 文殊 Pureland.

One knows oneself best. If one has the affinity and ability, one should aim higher. For me, I prefer Western Pure Land because I have confident that I will attain birth in Western Pure Land with the help of Amituofo's strong vow in this lifetime.

 

[heymee]

 

[Renzokukenz]

菩提子 is what may I ask?? The Google Translate really cannot make it

also "水精" is actually 水晶 right?

English Translation by Google for anyone who wants to read this:

Yes, that's right, using beads is a method taught in the sutra. The sutra mentions about multiplier of merits based on different beads.

Buddhism said the entire sutra below:

At that time, Manjushri Lifa Prince Bodhisattva Mahasattva. All sentient beings want to benefit. Tell the public with great compassion. You wait for Shan to listen to my speech today.

If there is one who recites the names of the Dharani and the Buddha, the difference in the merits and benefits of receiving the number of beads.

For self-interest and protection of others. Those who quickly seek success in all dharma. The method of counting beads should be held as such.



若用铁为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福五倍。

若用赤铜为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福十倍。

若用真珠珊瑚等为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福百倍。

若用木患子为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福千倍。若求往生诸佛净土及天宫者。应受此珠。

若用莲子为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福万倍。

若用因陀啰佉叉为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福百万倍。

若用乌嚧陀啰佉叉为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福千万倍。

若用水精为数珠者。诵掏一遍得福万万倍。

若菩提子为数珠者。或用掏念或但手持。数诵一遍其福无量。不可算数难可校量


The translation cannot make it though

For example:

What is Pearl Coral??
What is Wooden Sapin?
Lotus Seed I guess is the white white bead with many dots on it
What is Indra???
What is Wuli Tuo La and Cha???
Water essence???

send help please

 

[Renzokukenz]

Found some interesting information about malas

• Malas made with bodhi seeds and turquoise are considered auspicious for all practices.
  
• For pacifying mantras to purify the mind and generate compassion one usually uses a white colored mala like crystal or pearl.
  
• For Medicine Buddha healing mantras a lapis lazuli mala can be used.
  
• For increasing mantras to increase one’s life span, knowledge, merit and prosperity – malas of gold, silver, copper and amber are sometimes used.
  
• For bringing positive forces to one’s space magnetizing mantras are recited and malas of saffron, lotus seed, sandalwood, coral or rosewood are used.
  
• For mantras to tame negative energies by more forceful means Rudraksha seeds are used. Human bone malas are used to tame the most stubborn negative forces.

Source: http://buddhistmantramala.com/

 

[magnus]

This shop at race course rd also have crystal beads. can get different design then ask them help u diy into 108 beads for a small fee.

Few shops there selling similar stuff...can compare price.

 

[viethai]

This shop at race course rd also have crystal beads. can get different design then ask them help u diy into 108 beads for a small fee.

Few shops there selling similar stuff...can compare price.

Thanks shi xiong

 

[Konnichiwa]

this is very important information

Makes me feel bad about my mala which is just smokey quartz

spend more money to buy better beads... better results

 

[magnus]

Vegetarian food here not bad.

 

[Konnichiwa]

Try the swensons impossible burger... jin real... but got onion insde...

 

[AUTUMN&WINTER]

Vegetarian food here not bad.

I remember they have pizza right? Very nice.

 

[magnus]

They have menu for western food but I didn't look at it.

I remember they have pizza right? Very nice.

 

[scheng1]

this is very important information

Makes me feel bad about my mala which is just smokey quartz

菩提子 is what may I ask?? The Google Translate really cannot make it

also "水精" is actually 水晶 right?

Found some interesting information about malas

• Malas made with bodhi seeds and turquoise are considered auspicious for all practices.

Source: http://buddhistmantramala.com/

菩提子 is Bodhi seeds. Bodhi tree actually belongs to the fig family. Buddha gained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree.

There is no sutra basis to say that we need to use white-coloured mala to purify mind or use gold mala for longevity.

spend more money to buy better beads... better results

No such thing. Bodhi seeds mala is cheap because Bodhi seeds are in abundance. the mala doesn't look "shiny", not smooth to touch, and often uneven in size.

Most Bodhi seeds malas come from Tibet, India, and Nepal.

 

[Konnichiwa]

my chanting tools...

bought beads $38 at shop next to the aljunied 观自斋。
Haven't really use the beads yet... just use the tally counter

thanks to the intro here for Da Bei Zhou...
after chanting, some of my stubborness is gone...
Don't know why during chanting i like to yawn... maybe too used to internet stimulation...

 

[scheng1]

Don't know why during chanting i like to yawn... maybe too used to internet stimulation...

业障 karmic obstacle. It happens to many people, especially when you go for group chanting, you will feel more tired than working 12 hours!

 

[Konnichiwa]

业障 karmic obstacle. It happens to many people, especially when you go for group chanting, you will feel more tired than working 12 hours!

I don't dare to chant chunti Zhou... because i dont want to anyhow wish for anything...

 

[AUTUMN&WINTER]

I don't dare to chant chunti Zhou... because i dont want to anyhow wish for anything...

No worries. As long as your wish does not hurt any sentient beings. No fear in Buddhism. It's ok to benefit oneself so that you can benefit others. If your wish is wrong, Pusa will not grant your wish and will not punish you. No punishment in Buddhism.

 

[scheng1]

I don't dare to chant chunti Zhou... because i dont want to anyhow wish for anything...

It will help you clear your karmic debt in your dreams first. It takes a long time (+/- 1 million recitation) to experience the wish-granting effect.

 

[AUTUMN&WINTER]

NAMO AMITUOFO 南无阿弥陀佛

念佛不是老人的事 是一切众生的事。是阿弥陀佛惠及一切众生真实之利的平等大悲心。我们只要接受 这个利益就会现前。

*THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORDINARY PERSON AND NOBLE ONES*

“Mendicants, the eight worldly conditions revolve around the world, and the world revolves around the eight worldly conditions.

What eight?

Gain and loss,
fame and disgrace,
praise and blame,
pleasure and pain.

These qualities among people are impermanent,
transient, and perishable.

A clever and mindful person knows these things,
seeing that they’re perishable.
Desirable things don’t disturb their mind,
nor are they repelled by the undesirable.

Both favoring and opposing
are cleared and ended, they are no more.
Knowing the stainless, sorrowless state,
they understand rightly, going beyond rebirth.”

"If you stop and throw rocks at every dog that barks you will never reach your destination."