The Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra
Namo! Homage to the Lotus Pool Assembly of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas As Vast As the Sea
Thus I have heard, at one time the Buddha dwelt at Shravasti, in the Jeta Grove in the Garden of the Benefactor of Orphans and the Forlorn, together with a gathering of Great Bhikshus, twelve-hundred fifty in all, all Great Arhats well-known to the assembly: Elders Shariputra, Mahamaudgalyayana, Mahakasyapa, Mahakatyayana, Mahakausthila, Revata, Suddhipanthaka, Nanda, Ananda, Rahula, Gavampati, Pindola-Bharadvaja, Kalodayin, Mahakaphina, Vakkula, Aniruddha, and others such as these, all Great Disciples, together with all the Bodhisattvas, Mahasattvas: Manjushri, Prince of Dharma; Ajita Bodhisattva, Gandhastin Bodhisattva, Nityodukta Bodhisattva, and others such as these, all Great Bodhisattvas, and together with Shakra, Chief among Gods, and the numberless great multitudes from all the heavens.
At that time, the Buddha told the Elder Shariputra, From here, passing through hundreds of thousands of millions of Buddhalands to the West there is a world called Utmost Happiness. In this land a Buddha called Amitabha right now teaches the Dharma.
Shariputra, why is this land called Utmost Happiness? All living beings of this country never suffer, but enjoy every bliss. Therefore it is called Utmost Happiness.
Moreover, Shariputra, this land of Utmost Happiness is completely surrounded by seven tiers of railings, seven layers of netting, and seven rows of trees, all formed from the four treasures, and for this reason called Utmost Happiness.
Moreover, Shariputra, in the land of Utmost Happiness are pools of the seven jewels, filled with the waters of eight meritorious qualities; the bottom of each pool is pure, covered with golden sands. On the four sides climb stairs of gold, silver, lapus lazuli, crystal, mother-of pearl, rubies, and carnelian.
In the pools bloom lotuses as large as carriage wheels with colors of green light, red light, yellow light, and white light, subtle, rare, fragrant, and pure. Shariputra, the Land of Utmost Happiness is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.
Moreover, Shariputra, in this Buddhaland heavenly music always plays, and the ground is made of gold. In the six periods of the day and night a heavenly rain of mandarava flowers falls, and throughout the clear morning, each living being of this land offers sacks filled with myriads of wonderful flowers to the hundreds of thousands of millions of Buddhas of the other directions. At mealtime they return to their own countries and after eating they walk about. Shariputra, the Land of Utmost Happiness is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.
Moreover, Shariputra, in this country there are always rare and unusual birds of many kinds and colors: white geese, cranes, peacocks, parrots, egrets, kalavinkas and two-headed birds. In the six periods of the day and night the flocks of birds sing forth harmonious and elegant sounds. Their clear and joyful calls proclaim the Five Roots, the Five Powers, the Seven Limbs of Bodhi, the Eightfold Path of Sages, and dharmas such as these. When living beings of this land hear their calls they are altogether mindful of the Buddha, mindful of the Dharma, and mindful of the Sangha.
Shariputra! Do not say that these birds are born as retribution for their sins. And why not? Because in this Buddhaland the three evil paths do not exist. Shariputra, even the names of the three evil paths are unknown in this Buddha's land; how much the less could they actually exist! Wishing to proclaim the Dharma's sound far and wide, Amitabha Buddha created these multitudes of birds by transformation.
Shariputra, in that Buddhaland when the gentle winds blow, the rows of jewelled trees and jewelled nets reverberate with fine and wondrous sounds, as a symphony of one hundred thousand kinds of music played in harmony. All who hear these sounds are naturally mindful of the Buddha, mindful of the Dharma, and mindful of the Sangha. Shariputra, the Land of Utmost Happiness is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.
Shariputra, what do you think? Why is this Buddha called Amitabha? Shariputra, the brilliance of that Buddha's light is measureless, illumining the lands of the ten directions everywhere without obstruction. For this reason he is called Amitabha.
Moreover, Shariputra, the lifespan of that Buddha and that of his people extends for measureless, limitless asamkhyeyas of kalpas. For this reason he is called Amitayus. And, Shariputra, since Amitabha became a Buddha, ten kalpas have passed.
Moreover, Shariputra, that Buddha has measureless, limitless asamkheyas of Sound-Hearer disciples, their number incalculable. So too is the assembly of Bodhisattvas. Shariputra, that Buddhaland is crowned in splendor and virtues such as these.
Moreover, Shariputra, the living beings born in the Land of Utmost Happiness are all avaivartika. Among them are many who in this very life will dwell in Buddhahood. Their number is extremely many; it is incalculable. And only in measureless, limitless asamkyeyas of kalpas could they be counted.
Shariputra, those living beings who hear of this should vow: I wish to be born in that country. And why? Because those who are born there assemble in one place with people whose goodness is unsurpassed. Shariputra, if one has few good roots, blessings, and virtues, one cannot be born in that land.
Shariputra, if there is a good man or good woman who hears of Amitabha and holds his name whether for one day, two days, three, four, five days, six days, as long as seven days with one mind unconfused, when this person nears the end of life, before him will appear Amitabha and all the Assembly of Holy Ones. When the end comes, his mind will not be utterly confused, and in Amitabha's Land of Utmost Happiness he will quickly be reborn. Shariputra, because I see this benefit, I speak these words; and, if living beings hear this teaching they should make the vow: I wish to born in that land.
Shariputra, just as I now praise the inconceivable benefits arising from the merit and virtue of Amitabha, so too in the East does Akshobya Buddha, Sumeru Likeness Buddha, Great Sumeru Buddha, Sumeru Light Buddha, Wonderful Sound Buddha; all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all the Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.
Shariputra, in the Southern World, Sun-Moon Lamp Buddha, Sumeru Lamp Buddha, Celebrated Light Buddha, Great Radiant Shoulders Buddha, Sumeru Lamp Buddha, Measureless Vigor Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.
Shariputra, in the Western World, Measureless Life Buddha, Infinite Features Buddha, Measureless Curtain Buddha, Great Light Buddha, Great Clarity Buddha, Jewelled Likeness Buddha, Pure Light Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, protecting and bearing it in mind.
Shariputra, in the Northern World, Radiant Shoulders Buddha, Most Glorious Sound Buddha, Invincible Buddha, Sun-Birth Buddha, Luminous Net Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.
Shariputra, in the World Below, Lion Buddha, Well-Known Buddha, Celebrated Light Buddha, Dharma Buddha, Dharma-Curtain Buddha, Upholding Dharma Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.
Shariputra, in the World Above, Pure Sound Buddha, Constellation King Buddha, Superior Fragrance Buddha, Fragrant Light Buddha, Great Radiant Shoulders Buddha, Varicolored Jewels-Adorned Body Buddha, Sala Tree King Buddha, Jewelled Flower of Virtue Buddha, Discerning All Meanings Buddha, Like Sumeru Mountain Buddha, all Buddhas such as these, numberless as Ganges' sands, each in his own country gives forth a vast and far-reaching sound that pervades the threefold, great, thousand-world realm and proclaims these sincere and honest words: All you living beings should believe in this sutra which all Buddhas praise for its inconceivable merit and virtue, a sutra they protect and bear in mind.
Shariputra, what do you think? Why is it called Sutra which all Buddhas protect and bear in mind? Shariputra, if a good man or good woman hears this sutra and upholds it, and hears the names of all these Buddhas, this good man or good woman will also be one whom all Buddhas protect and bear in mind, and will attain non-retreat from anuttarasamyaksambodhi. Therefore, Shariputra, all of you should believe and accept my words and the words all Buddhas speak.
Shariputra, if there are people who have already made the vow, who now make the vow, or who will make the vow, I wish to be born in Amitabha's country, these people, whether born in the past, now being born there, or to be born there in the future, will all attain non-retreat from anuttarasamyaksambodhi. Therefore, Shariputra, all good men and good women who believe should make the vow, I wish to be born in that country.
Shariputra, just as I now praise the inconceivable merit and virtue of all Buddhas, all those Buddhas also praise my inconceivable merit and virtue, saying these words: Shakyamuni Buddha can accomplish extremely difficult and rare deeds in the Saha Land during the evil time of the Five Turbidities: during the time turbidity, the views turbidity, the affliction turbidity, the living beings turbidity, and the lifespan turbidity. He can attain anuttarasamyaksambodhi and for the sake of living beings proclaim this Dharma, which the whole world finds hard to believe.
Shariputra, you should know that I, in the evil time of the Five Turbidities, perform these difficult deeds, attain anuttarasamyaksambodhi, and for the entire world proclaim this Dharma which is difficult to believe, extremely difficult!
After the Buddha spoke this Sutra, Shariputra, all the Bhikshus, and the entire world of gods, humans, asuras, and others, hearing what the Buddha had said, joyously delighted in it, faithfully accepted it, bowed and withdrew.
End of the Buddha Speaks of Amitabha Sutra
佛说阿弥陀经
姚秦龜茲三藏鳩摩羅什譯
如是我聞： 一時，佛在舍衛國祇樹給孤獨園，與大比丘僧千二百五十人俱，皆
是大阿羅漢，眾所知識。長老舍利弗、摩訶目乾連、摩訶迦葉、摩訶迦栴延、
摩訶拘絺羅、離婆多、周梨槃陀迦、難陀、阿難陀、羅睺羅、憍梵波提、賓頭
盧頗羅墮、迦留陀夷、摩訶劫賓那、薄俱羅、阿㝹樓馱，如是等諸大弟子，并
諸菩薩摩訶薩——文殊師利法王子、阿逸多菩薩、乾陀訶提菩薩、常精進菩
薩，與如是等諸大菩薩，及釋提桓因等無量諸天大眾俱。爾時，佛告長老舍利
弗：「從是西方過十萬億佛土，有世界名曰極樂。其土有佛，號阿彌陀，今現
在說法。舍利弗！彼土何故名為極樂？其國眾生無有眾苦，但受諸樂，故名極
樂。又舍利弗！極樂國土，七重欄楯、七重羅網、七重行樹，皆是四寶周匝圍
繞，是故彼國名曰極樂。「又舍利弗！極樂國土有七寶池，八功德水充滿其
中，池底純以金沙布地。四邊階道，金、銀、琉璃、頗梨合成。上有樓閣，亦
以金、銀、琉璃、頗梨、車璩、赤珠、馬瑙而嚴飾之。池中蓮花，大如車輪，
青色青光，黃色黃光，赤色赤光，白色白光，微妙香潔。舍利弗！極樂國土成
就如是功德莊嚴。「又舍利弗！彼佛國土，常作天樂，黃金為地，晝夜六時天
雨曼陀羅華。其國眾生，常以清旦，各以衣裓盛眾妙華，供養他方十萬億佛
；即以食時，還到本國，飯食經行。舍利弗！極樂國土成就如是功德莊嚴。
「復次舍利弗！彼國常有種種奇妙雜色之鳥——白鵠、孔雀、鸚鵡、舍利、迦
陵頻伽、共命之鳥。是諸眾鳥，晝夜六時出和雅音，其音演暢五根、五力、七
菩提分、八聖道分如是等法。其土眾生聞是音已，皆悉念佛、念法、念僧。舍
利弗！汝勿謂：『此鳥實是罪報所生。』所以者何？彼佛國土無三惡趣。舍利
弗！其佛國土尚無三惡道之名，何況有實？是諸眾鳥皆是阿彌陀佛欲令法音宣
流變化所作。舍利弗！彼佛國土，微風吹動，諸寶行樹及寶羅網出微妙音，譬
如百千種樂同時俱作，聞是音者皆自然生念佛、念法、念僧之心。舍利弗！其
佛國土成就如是功德莊嚴。「舍利弗！於汝意云何？彼佛何故號阿彌陀？舍利
弗！彼佛光明無量，照十方國無所障礙，是故號為阿彌陀。又舍利弗！彼佛壽
命及其人民，無量無邊阿僧祇劫，故名阿彌陀。舍利弗！阿彌陀佛成佛已來，
於今十劫。又舍利弗！彼佛有無量無邊聲聞弟子，皆阿羅漢，非是算數之所能
知；諸菩薩，亦復如是。舍利弗！彼佛國土，成就如是功德莊嚴。「又舍利
弗！極樂國土眾生生者，皆是阿鞞跋致。其中多有一生補處，其數甚多，非是
算數所能知之，但可以無量無邊阿僧祇劫說。舍利弗！眾生聞者，應當發願，
願生彼國。所以者何？得與如是諸上善人俱會一處。「舍利弗！不可以少善根
福德因緣，得生彼國。舍利弗！若有善男子、善女人，聞說阿彌陀佛，執持名
號，若一日、若二日、若三日、若四日、若五日、若六日、若七日，一心不
亂。其人臨命終時，阿彌陀佛與諸聖眾現在其前。是人終時，心不顛倒，即得
往生阿彌陀佛極樂國土。舍利弗！我見是利，故說此言。若有眾生聞是說者，
應當發願生彼國土。「舍利弗！如我今者，讚歎阿彌陀佛不可思議功德；東方
亦有阿閦鞞佛、須彌相佛、大須彌佛、須彌光佛、妙音佛，如是等恒河沙數諸
佛，各於其國出廣長舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，說誠實言：『汝等眾生，當信
是稱讚不可思議功德一切諸佛所護念經。』「舍利弗！南方世界有日月燈佛、
名聞光佛、大焰肩佛、須彌燈佛、無量精進佛，如是等恒河沙數諸佛，各於其
國出廣長舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，說誠實言：『汝等眾生，當信是稱讚不可
思議功德一切諸佛所護念經。』「舍利弗！西方世界有無量壽佛、無量相佛、
無量幢佛、大光佛、大明佛、寶相佛、淨光佛，如是等恒河沙數諸佛，各於其
國出廣長舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，說誠實言：『汝等眾生，當信是稱讚不可
思議功德一切諸佛所護念經。』「舍利弗！北方世界有焰肩佛、最勝音佛、難
沮佛、日生佛、網明佛，如是等恒河沙數諸佛，各於其國出廣長舌相，遍覆三
千大千世界，說誠實言：『汝等眾生，當信是稱讚不可思議功德一切諸佛所護
念經。』「舍利弗！下方世界有師子佛、名聞佛、名光佛、達摩佛、法幢佛、
持法佛，如是等恒河沙數諸佛，各於其國出廣長舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，說
誠實言：『汝等眾生，當信是稱讚不可思議功德一切諸佛所護念經。』「舍利
弗！上方世界有梵音佛、宿王佛、香上佛、香光佛、大焰肩佛、雜色寶華嚴身
佛、娑羅樹王佛、寶華德佛、見一切義佛、如須彌山佛，如是等恒河沙數諸
佛，各於其國出廣長舌相，遍覆三千大千世界，說誠實言：『汝等眾生，當信
是稱讚不可思議功德一切諸佛所護念經。』「舍利弗！於汝意云何？何故名
為“一切諸佛所護念經”？舍利弗！若有善男子、善女人，聞是經受持者，及聞
諸佛名者；是諸善男子、善女人，皆為一切諸佛共所護念，皆得不退轉於阿耨
多羅三藐三菩提。是故舍利弗！汝等皆當信受我語及諸佛所說。「舍利弗！若
有人已發願、今發願、當發願，欲生阿彌陀佛國者；是諸人等，皆得不退轉於
阿耨多羅三藐三菩提，於彼國土若已生、若今生、若當生。是故舍利弗！諸善
男子、善女人若有信者，應當發願生彼國土。「舍利弗！如我今者，稱讚諸佛
不可思議功德；彼諸佛等，亦稱說我不可思議功德，而作是言：『釋迦牟尼佛
能為甚難希有之事，能於娑婆國土五濁惡世——劫濁、見濁、煩惱濁、眾生
濁、命濁中，得阿耨多羅三藐三菩提，為諸眾生說是一切世間難信之法。』舍
利弗！當知我於五濁惡世，行此難事；得阿耨多羅三藐三菩提，為一切世間說
此難信之法，是為甚難！」 佛說此經已。舍利弗及諸比丘，一切世間天、人、
阿修羅等，聞佛所說，歡喜信受，作禮而去。