Chapter
II
The Assembly of the Transformations
of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva
Just at that time, an unaccountable number of transformations of the
Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva from Hells of numerous universes assembled at Trayastrimsa Heaven
under the ubiquitous Supernatural Powers of the Exalted Buddha, and an unaccountable
number of others who, being spared of their sufferings, also came to the same place
holding flowers and joss-sticks in their hands to pay homage to the Honoured of the World.
These beings had at one time been suffering endlessly, from kalpas to kalpas, in the ocean
of birth and death. Through the great compassion and strong vows of the Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva, they were converted by him and thus attained Buddhahood. They all assembled
at the Trayastrimsa Heaven, and conveyed their fullest respect and admiration to the
Honoured of the World by gazing at Him attentively.
Shakyamuni Buddha extended His golden arms to bless the unaccountable
transformations of the Ksitigarbha and said, "You are truly to be commended for
having successfully converted so many human beings to real Salvation. In fact, I have
adapted myself to innumerable transformations to lead all beings, either intelligent or
ignorant, to righteousness and truth by any means. Although I have tried my utmost to
convert the erring ones from this world of sufferings, I could see that there might be one
or two out of every ten who are still sinful. I ask you to seek transformations of other
Buddhas to convert them in all possible ways and means. There are, without doubt,
intelligent ones who are likely to be converted after my preaching and attain Buddhahood
by my persuasion to practise good deeds, but unintelligent wrong-doers can only be
converted after a lengthy period of preaching. For the stubborn ones, it is useless to
expect any respect or faith from them. In spite of all the obstacles, I had endeavoured to
convert these miserable creatures and lead them to real Salvation by performing different
transformations. I performed transformation as males, females, devas, spirits, devils,
mountains, forests, streams, rivers, pools or anything to bring benefit upon human beings
and to convert them all without any exception Again, I transformed into Kings or Emperors
of Heavens, Brahmans or Rulers of Continents, followers of the Buddha, Kings of countries,
Prime-ministers, officials of high ranks, Bhikkhus or Bhikkhunis, Upasakas, Upasikas,
Saravakas, Arahats, Pacceka Buddhas or Bodhisattvas to convert mankind. Not only did I
convert people in the form of the Buddha, but you should recollect how strenuously I have
lived from kalpas to kalpas with unremitting toil to convert even stubborn beings to
Salvation. Stubborn ones can still be found, and if they are cast into Hell for
punishment, you should remember how I requested you to work earnestly to lift them to
Buddhahood and Enlightenment, till the next Buddha, by the name of Maitreya Buddha, will
be born to this world."
Just at that moment, the various transformations of the Ksitigarbha
Bodhisattva from different universes were seen consolidated into one form and, with tears
in his eyes, he said to the Buddha, "You have been kind enough to bestow upon me
supernatural power and transcendental wisdom for kalpas and kalpas. May my innumerable
transformations of different forms be successful in pervading various universes to lead
mankind to real Salvation. Though human beings have not the slightest interest in reaping
good deeds, I shall strive to convert them gradually and bring great benefit and happiness
to all. Pray, do not be disheartened over the evils of these beings, as I shall bear the
full responsibility to convert them to the supreme state of Buddhahood."
Again, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva requested the Honoured of the World not
to feel distressed over the evils of human beings in the generations to come by repeating
his vow three times.
Shakymuni Buddha was thus highly delighted and said, "My
blessings. I appreciate your strong vows and may you be praised for your efforts to heal
the human world, and that your aim for Buddhahood after your firm resolution to convert
them be achieved."
