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The Verse to the following Prose is published in the Glossary Section of the publication, "Power Of The Heart, A Collection of Teachings"  by Shih Cheng Yen, Copyright 2012, Jing Si Publications

德行品

Chapter on Virtue[PLO1] 

法身大士　慈悲菩薩　其心禪寂　常在三昧

Of these compassionate Bodhisattvas, all are great saints of the Dharmakaya. With meditative, tranquil and silent minds, they remain in the state of Samadhi constantly.

恬安淡泊　無為無欲　顛倒亂想　不復得入

 They are peaceful, undisturbed, unattached, uncontriving, and free from desires. They are free from any kind of delusion, confusion, distraction, or discursive thoughts. W

靜寂清澄　志玄虛漠　守之不動　億百千劫

With minds tranquil and clear, vows as vast as the universe, they remain unshaken for countless eons

無量法門　悉現在前　得大智慧　通達諸法

Infinite doors to Dharma [P2] spontaneously appears. They attain great wisdom and completely understand all Dharma

曉了分別　性相真實　有無長短　明現顯白

They realize and distinguish the nature and appearance of reality. Existent or non-existent, long or short, it is very clear and apparent to them.

無礙辯才　常轉法輪　微渧先墮　以淹欲塵

With the unhindered power of eloquence, they constantly turn the Dharma-wheel. First, drops of dew fall to immerse the dust of desire.

扇解脫風　除世熱惱　致法清涼　用灑無明

Opening the gate of Nirvana and fanning the wind of liberation, they eliminate the fiery afflictions of the world with the coolness of the Dharma.

洪注大乘　潤漬眾生　布善種子　遍功德田

The pour down the stream of supreme Mahayana to nurture sentient beings. They spread the seeds of goodness over the fields of merits and virtues.

普令一切　發菩提心　無量大悲　救苦眾生

They inspire all to develop Bodhicitta.  They relieved the suffering of sentient beings with infinite compassion

是諸眾生真善知識　是諸眾生大良福田

They are genuine, good and wise advisors for all living beings. They are the great field of blessings for all living beings.

是諸眾生不請之師　是諸眾生安隱樂處

They are the un-summoned teachers for all living beings. They are the safe stable and joyful refuge for all sentient beings. 

救處護處大依止處　處處為眾生大導師

They are the refuge of relief, protection, and great support for all living beings. They are the great guiding teachers for all sentient beings everywhere.

能為生盲作眼目　為顛狂荒亂作正念

They serve as eyes for the blind. They turn those who are confused, in chaos and in panic toward great Right Mindfulness.

大醫王　分別病相　曉了藥性　隨病授藥

The Great King of Healers discriminate the phases of diseases, know well the properties of medicine, and dispense it according to the disease.

大船師　運載群生　渡生死河　置涅槃岸

As great master boatmen, they carry all living beings across the river of life and death to the shore of Nirvana.

大醫王　分別病相　曉了藥性　隨病授藥

The Great King of Healers discriminate the phases of diseases, know well the properties of medicine, and dispense it according to the disease.

大船師　運載群生　渡生死河　置涅槃岸

As great master boatmen, they carry all living beings across the river of life and death to the shore of Nirvana.

能捨一切諸難捨　財寶妻子及國城

They are able to give all that is hard to give, such as wealth, wife, children, throne, and kingdom.

於法內外無所吝　頭目髓腦悉施人

They begrudge nothing, internally and externally. Their head, eyes, marrow, and brain were all given to others.

奉持諸佛清淨戒　乃至失命不毀傷

They upheld the pure precepts of all Buddhas.  Even at the cost of their lives, they never caused injury to others.

若人刀杖來加害　惡口罵辱終不瞋

If someone harms them with knives or clubs, or abused and insulted them with words, they would never get angry.

歷劫挫身不倦惰　晝夜攝心常在禪

For many kalpas, though their body was worn down, they never tired nor slackened.  Day and night, they controlled their minds and remained in the state of meditation.

遍學一切眾道法　智慧深入眾生根

They  learned extensively the Dharma of all paths. Their wisdom deeply penetrates into the capacities of sentient beings

於如來地　堅固不動　安住願力　廣淨佛國

At this stage of Buddhahood, they are firm and unwavering. They abide by the vows of purifying this world

說法品

Chapter on Expounding Dharma[PLO3] 

有一法門無量義　疾令菩薩成菩提

There is one Dharma-door that allows Bodhisattvas to readily attain Bodhi

自本來今最真諦　萬物性相本空寂

All things have always been Empty and still in nature and in appearance

只因眾生虛妄計　六趣輪迴苦難離

Sentient beings’ false discriminations lead to their own suffering in the cyclic existence of the Six Realms

佛陀宣說第一義　普令一切復無疑

Hence the Buddha expounded this great Truth, which shall expel all doubts

所發慈悲明不虛　諸眾菩薩應修習

The compassion developed is clear and true. All Bodhisattvas must practice it

一聞能持一切法　令諸眾生得大益

Hearing one teaching, the Bodhisattva can realize all Dharma, and bring great benefits to all sentient beings

斯經譬如一種子　百千萬億從它生

This Sutra is like a seed. Hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, and hundreds of millions arise from it

千億種子復又生　展轉乃至無盡量

Thousands and hundreds of millions of seeds each produce more until the number is infinite and countless

一法能生無量義　無量義者一法生

One Dharma can give rise to infinite meanings. Infinite meanings arise from one Dharma

一句一偈能得聞　百千萬億能通達

Hearing each phrase and each chant can lead to understanding of hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands and hundreds of millions

菩薩安住於實相　所發慈悲明不虛

Bodhisattvas abide in this Ultimate Truth, the loving-kindness and compassion they evoke is are clearly truthful and not false

於眾生所能拔苦　苦既拔已復說法

They can truly relieve suffering wherever sentient beings are. Having relieved them from suffering, Bodhisattvas then expound the Dharma for them,

令諸眾生受快樂　三世諸佛所共護

They can truly relieve suffering wherever sentient beings are. Having relieved them from suffering, Bodhisattvas then expound the Dharma for them,

無有眾魔能得入　一切邪見難壞敗

No demons nor heretics can gain entrance, nor can it be corrupted by deviant views

無常無我與苦空　諸法四相不思議

Impermanence, no-self, Suffering and Emptiness, the Four States of Appearance of everything is inconceivable

法性法相本空寂　不出不沒不來去

The nature of all things and the appearance of all things has always been Empty and still, neither coming nor going, neither appearing or disappearing

甚深無上大乘義　真大慈悲信不虛

This profound, unsurpassed Mahayana Sutra of meanings. True great loving-kindness and compassion and faith is not false

以是因緣成菩提　安樂人文多利益

Because of these cause and conditions they attain Bodhi. A humanistic culture of peace and joy is very beneificial

習性不同眾生欲　種種說法方便力

The habitual tendencies are as varied as the sentient beings’ desires, so He taught various Dharma with the power of skillful means

開權顯實應根機　心佛眾生無差異

He opened up and revealed based on sentient beings’ capabilities. The mind, Buddha, and sentient beings have no differences

法譬如水能洗垢　若井若池若江河

Dharma is like water, which can wash off filth and dirt. Whether water comes from a well, a pond, a stream, a river

溪渠大海悉能洗　洗垢法水亦如是

a brook, a channel, and a great ocean are no different from one another, the Dharma-water that washes away defilements are as such

水性是一水各異　法性如是無差別

Though varying, all water is fundamentally the same. So, too, is the nature of Dharma

水雖不同俱能洗　洗淨煩惱滌習氣

Though the waters are different they can all cleanse and wash away afflictions and habitual tendencies

佛轉法輪四真諦　諸法本來是空寂

The Buddha turned the Dharma-wheel of the Four Noble Truths. All things have always been Empty and still,

代謝不住　唸唸生滅　文辭是一　眾生解異

changing nonstop, as thoughts after thought arise and cease. The teachings use the same words but the explanation to sentient beings are different

法性無差　眾生四相　文理真正　尊無過上

The natures of all things, the Four States of Appearance for all sentient beings, are not different. This text and principles is true and supreme in its honor

一生無量　無量一生　佛法廣演　眾生普應

One (truth) produces infinite (meanings). Infinite (meanings) arise from one (truth). The Buddha-Dharma was widely expounded and all sentient beings responded

如是甚深　無上大乘　菩薩當修　無量義經

Such is the profound, unsurpassed Mahayana Sutra of Infinite Meanings the Bodhisattvas need to practice

如是甚深　無上大乘　菩薩當修　無量義經

Such is the profound, unsurpassed Mahayana Sutra of Infinite Meanings the Bodhisattvas need to practice

十功德品

Chapter on Merits and Virtues

無量義經佛宅來　去到一切眾生心

The Sutra of Infinite Meanings comes from the Buddha’s abode and to the minds of all sentient beings,

住諸菩薩所行處　十大功德潤蒼生

It abides wherever Bodhisattvas go. The Ten Great Merits nurture all living beings

第一功德難思議　道源功德由信起The first merit is difficult to contemplate. The merits and virtues of the source of the path comes from faith

是經能令諸菩薩　未發心者能發心

It allows all Bodhisattvas who are unresolved to make their vows

無有慈心起慈心　好殺戮者起悲心

Kindness arises in those without kindness. Compassion arises in those who enjoy killing

嫉妒重者起喜心　愛染深者起捨心

Joy arises in those who are very jealous. Giving arises in those who are defiled by cravings

慳貪者起布施心　憍慢者起持戒心

Giving arises in those who are greedy. Discipline arises in those who are arrogant

瞋盛者起忍辱心　懈怠者起精進心

Patience arises in those who are very angry. Diligence arises in those who are lazy

散亂者起禪定心　愚癡者起智慧心

Samadhi arises in those who are unsettled. Wisdom arises in those who are ignorant

未能度者起度心　十惡者起十善心

Transformation arises in those who are untransformed. Ten Good Deeds arise in those who commit the Ten Evils

造作者起無為心　退轉者起不退心

An unconditioned mind arises in those who contrive. No-retreat arises in those who turn back

有漏者起無漏心　煩惱者起除滅心

A flawless mind arise in those who have leaks. A will to eliminate arise in those with afflictions

第二功德難思議　一法能生百千億

The second merit is difficult to contemplate. One Dharma (truth) can produce hundreds and thousands of meanings

百千億中復又生　如是輾轉無量義

Hundreds and thousands of meanings can produce even more. Such is the cycle of infinite meanings

一理能徹萬理徹　一法能攝萬法攝

By understanding one truth we can understand ten thousand truths. By embracing one Dharma we can embrace ten thousand Dharma

一言半句勤誦習　通達無量微妙理

Diligently chant and study a part of a phrase can lead to penetration of infinite subtle principles

第三功德難思議　自在度人顯願力

The third merit is difficult to contemplate. Transforming others with ease reveals the power of resolve

雖有煩擾無煩惱　雖有生死無畏懼

Though there are worries there are no afflictions. Though there is birth and death there is no fear

百八重病常相纏　悲憫眾生不顧己

Though 108 grave illnesses often entangle us, we are compassionate toward all sentient beings without regard for ourselves,

譬如船師身有病　若有堅舟猶度人

like a ferryman who is ill but is still determined to transport people

第四功德不思議　諸佛護念於一身

The fourth merit is difficult to contemplate. All Buddhas protect the thoughts of one body

雖未自度能度他　與諸菩薩為道侶

Though we have not transformed ourselves we can transform others and be spiritual companions to all Bodhisattvas,

譬如國王新王子　稚小國事難領理

like a young prince who is young and find national affairs difficult to comprehend

但為臣民所崇敬　王后愛重常共語

but is still respected by officials and citizens and is adored and spoken to by the king and queen

第五功德難思議　持誦書寫刻不離

The fifth merit is difficult to contemplate. By reading and reciting books at every moment,

剎那恆持長相應　眾生信服得歡喜

the understanding realized in that instant is extended forever so sentient beings will believe and agree and thus attain happiness

雖未遠離凡夫事　猶能示現大菩提

Though still close to matters of ordinary people, they can still manifest Great Bodhi,

譬如龍子生七日　即能興雲與降雨

like a seven-day-old dragon son, who can raise clouds and make rain fall

第六功德不思議　生死煩惱盡遠離

The sixth merit is difficult to contemplate. Eliminate and stay away from afflictions of birth and death

能斷一切苦與厄　與佛如來無差異

If they can eliminate all suffering and disasters they are no different from Buddhas and Tathagatas

雖未得住不動地　慧能斷惑能攝理

Though they have not attained the unmoving-state, wisdom can eliminate delusions and understand principles,

譬如王子雖稚小　能理國事號群僚

like a prince who is young but can manage national affairs and lead all the officials

第七功德不思議　六波羅密顯神奇

The seventh merit is difficult to contemplate. This is displaying the powers of the Six Paramitas

愛灑人間大悲意　令諸眾苦皆得離

Spread love in the world with great compassions so all sentient beings can be relieved of suffering

無生法忍斷煩惱　隨緣度化登七地

The law of no-birth eliminates afflictions and when we transform (others) according to conditions we reach the Seventh Ground,

譬如猛將除王怨　怨既滅已王歡喜

like a fierce warrior who eliminate the king’s worries. When the resentment is eliminated the king is happy

第八功德不思議　種種方便令發心

The eighth merit is difficult to contemplate. All kinds of skillful means to inspire other

信心既發令勇猛　守之不動令堅定

Once faith is inspired they become fierce, when they remain unwavering they become determined

若人不信有罪福　依經奉行令信服

If someone does not believe in transgressions and blessings, uphold and practice according to the Sutra to inspire belief and agreement

堅固戒忍行檀度　無上菩提淨國土

By firmly upholding precepts and practicing the perfection of giving, unsurpassed wisdom can purify this land

第九功德難思議　願力得登善慧地

The ninth merit is difficult to contemplate. With resolve we attain the Stage of Excellent Wisdom

辯才無礙得清淨　宿業重障一時滅

With unobstructed abilities of eloquence we attain purity. The severe obstructions from the karma of past lives are eradicated in an instant

次第莊嚴波羅密　入大總持精進力

The subsequent dignified Paramita helps us completely uphold diligence

極苦眾生令解脫　善滿十方遍各地

When we help all suffering sentient beings attain liberations, goodness will spread out in the ten directions to all places

如法修行得道果　第十功德難思議

When we practice according to Dharma we attain the fruits of spiritual practice. The tenth merit is difficult to contemplate

凡夫地時弘誓願　厚集善根益一切

When we make vows in the state of ordinary people, we collect and strengthen roots of goodness to benefit all

洪潤枯涸演法義　眾生有病法藥醫

Widely nurture the withering with the meaning of Dharma. When sentient beings are sick, the medicine of Dharma heals

慈被眾生恩澤潤　道跡漸登法雲地

Loving-kindness is nourished by the grace of sentient beings. The footprints of spiritual practice gradually reach the Stage of the Dharma-cloud