[1] Thus have I heard. At one time the Bhagavat was staying in Jeta Grove monastery in Anathapindada's Garden at Shravasti, together with a large company of twelve hundred and fifty monks, who were all venerable shravakas and well-known great arhats. They were headed by eminent shravakas, such as the Venerable Shariputra, Mahamaudgalyayana, Mahakashyapa and Aniruddha. He was also accompanied by innumerable bodhisattvas, mahasattvas, who were all dwelling in the Stage of Non-retrogression and were adorned with immeasurable merits and virtues, headed by great bodhisattvas, such as Bodhisattva Manjushri, Bodhisattva Ajita, Bodhisattva Nityodyukta and Bodhisattva Aniksipta-dhura. Also in the assembly were a hundred thousand kotis of nayutas [of devas] headed by Shakra along with the King of Mahabrahma Heaven, the Lord of Saha world, as well as the Four Guardian Kings and others. Many demi-gods, innumerable heavenly and human beings, asuras and others assembled and took their seats to hear the Dharma.

[2] The Bhagavat said to Shariputra: "Do you know that if you travel westward from here, passing a hundred thousand kotis of nayutas of Buddha-lands, you come to the land called 'Utmost Bliss,' where there is a Bhagavat named 'Amitayus' or 'Amitabha' with ten titles, including Tathagata, Arhat and Samyaksambuddha. He is living there at this very moment, teaching the profound and wonderful Dharma to sentient beings to give them supreme benefit and bliss.

[3] "Why, Shariputra, is that land called 'Utmost Bliss'? Shariputra, beings in that land suffer no afflictions and pain but experience only pure immeasurable joy and happiness. For this reason, that land is called 'Utmost Bliss.'
"Again, Shariputra, in the pure Buddha-land of Utmost Bliss there are seven rows of jewelled balustrades, seven rows of jewelled tala-trees, and sevenfold jewelled nets, which surround everywhere and are completely decorated with four jewels, namely, gold, silver, beryl and crystal. Shariputra, that Buddha-land is full of such glorious adornments of supreme qualities, which are most pleasing to the mind. For this reason, that land is called 'Utmost Bliss.'

"Again, Shariputra, in the pure Buddha-land of Utmost Bliss here and there are many seven-jewelled ponds filled with water of eight excellent qualities, namely, (1) pure, (2) cool, (3) sweet-tasting, (4) soft, (5) moistening, (6) comforting, (7) quenching thirst, hunger and many other needs, and (8) nourishing the senses, increasing the activities of the four elements and producing superior goodness. Sentient beings with a large stock of merits always enjoy using such water. The bottom of these ponds is lined with gold sand, and from the four sides of each pond rise stairs made of the four jewels, most pleasing to the mind. Marvelous jewelled trees surrounding the ponds are evenly spaced, scented with rich fragrance and decorated with the seven delightful jewels, namely, gold, silver, beryl, crystal, rosy pearls, carnelian and sapphire.
"In the ponds, at all times, lotuses of various colors as large as chariot-wheels are in bloom. Blue flowers radiate blue light, brilliance and splendor; yellow ones radiate yellow light, brilliance and splendor; red ones radiate red light, brilliance and splendor; white ones radiate white light, brilliance and splendor; four-colored ones radiate four-colored light, brilliance and splendor. Shariputra, that Buddha-land is full of such glorious adornments of supreme qualities, which are most pleasing to the mind. For this reason, that land is called 'Utmost Bliss.'
"Again, Shariputra, in that pure Buddha-land of Utmost Bliss limitless exquisite music is spontaneously played at all times. The sound is harmonious and most pleasant to hear. When sentient beings hear its excellent sound, their evil passions are completely removed, numerous good acts multiply, and they soon attain the highest perfect Enlightenment. Shariputra, that Buddha-land is full of such glorious adornments of supreme qualities, which are most pleasing to the mind. For this reason, that land is called 'Utmost Bliss.'
"Again, Shariputra, the ground throughout that pure Buddha-land of Utmost Bliss is of true gold. It is soft to the touch and refreshing, shining boundlessly and adorned with rare jewels. Shariputra, that Buddha-land is full of such glorious adornments of supreme qualities, which are most pleasing to the mind. For this reason, that land is called 'Utmost Bliss.'
"Again, Shariputra, in that pure Buddha-land of Utmost Bliss, six times during the day and night, various heavenly blossoms of rare beauty continuously rain down from the sky. They are brilliant and refreshing, soft and variegated, pleasing to the mind and the senses. They do not rouse greedy attachment, but increase countless inconceivable merits in sentient beings. Six times during the day and night, the beings in that land offer those blossoms to Amitayus in homage. Every morning they take those heavenly blossoms and, in such a short time it takes for a meal, fly to innumerable other lands to pay homage to a hundred, thousand kotis of Buddhas. They offer to each Buddha a hundred thousand kotis of such blossoms and return home to the Pure Land, as if to enjoy leisure in a heavenly abode. Shariputra, that Buddha-land is full of such glorious adornments of supreme qualities, which are most pleasing to the mind. For this reason, that land is called 'Utmost Bliss.'
"Again, Shariputra, in that pure Buddha-land of Utmost Bliss there are always many rare species of beautiful birds of various colors, such as swans, geese, herons, storks, cranes, peacocks, parrots, kalavinkas and jivamjivakas. Six times during the day and night, those birds form a flock and sing with melodious and delicate tones, producing diverse sounds to proclaim numerous wonderful teachings, such as the [four] mindful acts, the [four] ways of stopping evils, the [four] miraculous powers, the [five] roots of goodness, the [five] powers, the [seven] factors of wisdom, and the [Eightfold] Noble Path. Having heard their singing, the sentient beings in that land gain innumerable merits through mindfulness of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, and their bodies long retain the perfume of virtue. Shariputra, do you think that the birds in that land belong to the evil realm of animals? Do not hold such a view! The reason is that none of the three evil realms, not even their names, exist in that Buddha's Pure Land; how much less should there be real birds belonging to the realm of animals born as retribution for evil karma? You should know that they are manifestations created by Amitayus so that they can proclaim innumerable sounds of the Dharma to give benefit and bliss to sentient beings. Shariputra, that Buddha-land is full of such wonderful glorious adornments, which are most pleasing to the mind. For this reason, that land is called 'Utmost Bliss.'
"Again, Shariputra, in that pure Buddha-land of Utmost Bliss soft breezes always blow. When they waft through the jewelled trees and jewelled nets, wonderful sounds are produced. As if a hundred thousand kotis of celestial musical instruments were playing together to produce exquisite sounds, when soft breezes which constantly arise in that land waft through the jewelled trees and jewelled nets, they produce various excellent sounds, which proclaim many teachings of the Dharma. Having heard those sounds, sentient beings in that land give rise to numerous meritorious acts, such as mindfulness of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. Shariputra, that Buddha-land is full of such glorious adornments of supreme qualities, which are most pleasing to the mind. For this reason, that land is called 'Utmost Bliss.'
"Shariputra, in that pure Buddha-land of Utmost Bliss there are wonderful manifestations such as those, which are innumerable and inconceivable. Even if a hundred thousand kotis of nayutas of innumerable tongues should praise their excellent qualities for a hundred thousand kotis of nayutas of kalpas, each tongue producing immeasurable voices, they would not be able to praise them to the full. For this reason, [that land] is called the Land of Utmost Bliss.

[4] "Again, Shariputra, why is the Buddha of the pure Buddha-land of Utmost Bliss called 'Amitayus'? Because, Shariputra, the life-span of that Tathagata and all beings living there last for immeasurable and innumerable great kalpas, the Tathagata of that land is called 'Amitayus.' Shariputra, why is the Buddha also called 'Amitabha'? Shariputra, the Tathagata always emits boundless and innumerable rays of glorious light, illuminating all the Buddha-lands of the ten directions without hindrance, so as to display Buddhist activities. For this reason, the Tathagata of that land is called 'Amitabha.' Shariputra, the Pure Land of that Buddha is full of such glorious adornments, which are most pleasing to the mind. For this reason, that land is called 'Utmost Bliss.'
"Again, Shariputra, the Buddha Amitayus of that pure Buddha-land of Utmost Bliss always has shravaka disciples, all of them arhats, who are possessed of various excellent merits and whose number is unlimited and incalculable. Shariputra, the Pure Land of that Buddha is full of such glorious adornments, which are most pleasing to the mind. For this reason, that land is called 'Utmost Bliss.'
"Again, Shariputra, the Buddha Amitayus of that pure Buddha-land of Utmost Bliss always has innumerable bodhisattva disciples, all of them in the Stage of Becoming a Buddha after One More Life. They are possessed of various excellent merits, and their number is unlimited and incalculable. Even if one praised their merits for innumerable kalpas, one would not be able to praise them fully. Shariputra, that Buddha-land is filled with such glorious adornments, which are most pleasing to the mind. For this reason, that land is called 'Utmost Bliss.'

[5] "Again, Shariputra, sentient beings born in that land all dwell in the Stage of Non-retrogression, and will not fall again into an evil realm, be born in a border-land or in the state of debased people or mlecchas. They always enjoy visiting pure lands of other Buddhas. With their excellent vows and practice advancing and developing every moment, they will unfailingly realize the highest, perfect Enlightenment. Shariputra, that Buddha-land is full of such glorious merits, which are most pleasing to the mind. For this reason, that land is called 'Utmost Bliss.'
"Again, Shariputra, if sentient beings hear of the glorious manifestations of countless merits in that pure Buddha-land of Amitayus, they should all awaken aspiration to be born there. The reasons are: first, those born there will meet those Great Beings adorned with such countless merits as mentioned above; second, they will enjoy the pleasure of the Mahayana Dharma intrinsic to this pure Buddha-land adorned with such innumerable merits; and third, with their own immeasurable vows and practice advancing and developing every moment, they will quickly realize the highest perfect Enlightenment. Shariputra, those who are to be born in that Buddha-land do not have few but already countless and unlimited merits, so such sentient beings can attain birth in the pure Buddha-land of Utmost Bliss of the Buddha Amitayus.
"Again, Shariputra, if good men or women of pure faith, having heard Amitayus Buddha's name of innumerable, boundless and inconceivable merits and also heard of the glorious adornments of the Land of Utmost Bliss, concentrate their thoughts on them with undistracted mind even for one day, two days, three, four, five, six or seven days, then, at the hour of death, Amitayus, surrounded by innumerable shravaka disciples and bodhisattvas, will appear before those good men or women and give them compassionate protection to keep their minds from falling into confusion. Thus, after death, following the Buddha Amitayus and his retinue, they will be born in his Pure Land of Utmost Bliss.
"Shariputra, as I perceive that such blissful benefits are matters of great importance, I pronounce these words of truth: Good men and good women of pure faith who hear Amitayus Buddha's name of inconceivable merits and also learn of the pure Buddha-land of Utmost Bliss should all receive [the teaching] in faith, arouse aspiration, practice the method as prescribed, and attain birth in that Buddha-land.

[6] "Shariputra, just as I praise the innumerable, unlimited and inconceivable merits of the Buddha-land of Amitayus, so do the Buddhas of the eastern direction as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, such as Aksobhya Tathagata, Meru-dhvaja Tathagata, Mahameru Tathagata, Meru-prabhasa Tathagata, and Manju-dhvaja Tathagata. While dwelling in their own pure lands of the east, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should all receive in faith this gate of the Dharma concerning praise of the inconceivable merits of the Buddha-land and protection by all Buddhas.

[7] "Again, Shariputra, there are in the southern direction Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, such as Candra-surya-pradipa Tathagata, Yashah-prabha Tathagata, Maharci-skandha Tathagata, Meru-pradipa Tathagata and Ananta-virya Tathagata. While dwelling in their own pure lands of the south, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should all receive in faith this gate of the Dharma concerning praise of the inconceivable merits of the Buddha-land and protection by all Buddhas.

[8] "Again, Shariputra, there are in the western direction Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, such as Amitayus Tathagata, Amita-skandha Tathagata, Amita-prabha Tathagata, Amita-dhvaja Tathagata, Maheshvara Tathagata, Mahaprabha Tathagata, Jvalana Tathagata, Maharatna-ketu Tathagata and Sphuta-rashmi Tathagata. While dwelling in their own pure lands of the west, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should all receive in faith this gate of the Dharma concerning praise of the inconceivable merits of the Buddha-land and protection by all Buddhas.

[9] "Again, Shariputra, there are in the northern direction Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, such as Amita-prabha-vyuha-abhijna-buddhi Tathagata, Mahaskandha Tathagata, Amita-divya-dundubhi-vaishvanara- nirghosa Tathagata, Jaleni-prabha Tathagata and Salendra-raja Tathagata. While dwelling in their own pure lands of the north, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should all receive in faith this gate of the Dharma concerning praise of the inconceivable merits of the Buddha-land and protection by all Buddhas.

[10] "Again, Shariputra, there are in the nadir Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, such as Sarva-saddharma-darshana-yukti-sada-jvalana- rajottama-shri-prabha Tathagata, Simha Tathagata, Yashas Tathagata, Yashah-prabhasa Tathagata, Dharma Tathagata, Saddharma Tathagata, Dharma-dhvaja Tathagata, Guna-mitra Tathagata and Guna-nama Tathagata. While dwelling in their own pure lands of the nadir, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should all receive in faith this Dharma-gate expounding praise of the inconceivable merits of the Buddha-land and protection by all Buddhas.

[11] "Again, Shariputra, there are in the zenith Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, such as Brahma-ghosa Tathagata, Naksatra-raja Tathagata, Gandha-prabhasa Tathagata, Utpala-shri-kalpa Tathagata and Sarvartha-darsha Tathagata. While dwelling in their own pure lands of the zenith, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should all receive in faith this gate of the Dharma concerning praise of the inconceivable merits of the Buddha-land and protection by all Buddhas.

[12] "Again, Shariputra, there are in the south-eastern direction Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, such as Uttama-vipula-megha-ghosa-raja Tathagata. While dwelling in their own pure lands of the south-east, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should all receive in faith this gate of the Dharma concerning praise of the inconceivable merits of the Buddha-land and protection by all Buddhas.

[13] "Again, Shariputra, there are in the south-western direction Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, such as Uttama-surya-prabha-yasho-guna Tathagata. While dwelling in their own pure lands of the south-west, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should all receive in faith this gate of the Dharma concerning praise of the inconceivable merits of the Buddha-land and protection by all Buddhas.

[14] "Again, Shariputra, there are in the north-western direction Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, such as Amita-guna-jvalanadhipati- prabhasa Tathagata. While dwelling in their own pure lands of the north-west, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should all receive in faith this gate of the Dharma concerning praise of the inconceivable merits of the Buddha-land and protection by all Buddhas.

[15] "Again, Shariputra, there are in the north-eastern direction Buddhas as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, such as Asamkhya-shata-sahasra-koti- nayuta-vipula-buddhi Tathagata. While dwelling in their own pure lands of the north-east, they extend their long, broad tongues and, encompassing with them the universe of a thousand million worlds, pronounce these words of truth: Sentient beings should all receive in faith this gate of the Dharma concerning praise of the inconceivable merits of the Buddha-land and protection by all Buddhas.

[16] "Shariputra, why is this sutra named 'the Dharma-gate expounding praise of the inconceivable merits of the Buddha-land and protection by all Buddhas? Shariputra, it is revealed in this sutra that the inconceivable merits of Amitayus Buddha's Land of Utmost Bliss are praised and glorified and that all Buddhas, Bhagavats, of the ten directions, while dwelling in their own lands, display glorious and wonderful manifestations and pronounce words of truth, urging sentient beings to receive this teaching in faith, in order to guide and benefit them and give them peace and bliss. For this reason, this sutra is called 'the gate of the Dharma concerning praise of the inconceivable merits of the Buddha-land and protection by all Buddhas.'
"Shariputra, if good men or women, who have heard this sutra, now hear or will hear it, have already awakened or will awaken deep faith, they are embraced by those Buddhas, Bhagavats, dwelling in the ten directions, as numerous as ten times the number of the sands of the Ganges. All who practice as prescribed will not regress but will definitely attain the highest perfect Enlightenment and be born in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss of Amitayus. For this reason, Shariputra, all sentient beings should receive in faith and understand well my words and the words of the Buddhas, Bhagavats, of the ten directions, and should make great efforts and diligently practice as prescribed. Do not allow any doubt to arise.
"Again, Shariputra, if good men or women have already aspired or will aspire or now aspire to the glorious adornments in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss of Amitayus, they will be definitely embraced by those Buddhas, Bhagavats, dwelling in the ten directions, as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, even ten times that number. All who practice as prescribed will not regress but will definitely attain the highest perfect Enlightenment and be born in the Pure Land of Utmost Bliss of Amitayus. For this reason, Shariputra, good men and women of pure faith should all believe deeply in Amitayus Buddha's Pure Land of Utmost Bliss and aspire to be born there. Do not be indolent.

[17] "Shariputra, just as I now praise and glorify the inconceivable merits of Amitayus Buddha's Land of Utmost Bliss, all other Buddhas, Bhagavats, of the ten directions likewise praise my boundless inconceivable merits, saying: 'How marvelous it is that Shakyamuni, Shakya Dharma-King, Tathagata, Arhat, Samyaksambuddha, Possessed of Wisdom and Practice, Sugata, Knower of the World, the Unsurpassed, Tamer of Men, Teacher of Gods and Humans, Buddha and Bhagavat, has appeared in this Saha world during the period of the five corruptions: namely, those of time, sentient beings, passions, views and life-span, and that, having attained the highest perfect Enlightenment, delivered this teaching, most difficult for the world to accept, in order to guide and benefit sentient beings and give them peace and bliss.'"Thus, Shariputra, you should know that I have appeared in this Saha world of various defilements during the period of the five corruptions and, having attained the highest perfect Enlightenment, delivered this teaching, most difficult for the world to accept, in order to guide and benefit sentient beings and give them peace and bliss. This is indeed a rare and marvelous task, which is beyond comprehension. "If, Shariputra, there are good men or women of pure faith who, having heard this teaching, most difficult for the world to accept, receive it in faith, uphold and expound it to others, and practice it as prescribed, you should know that such people are extremely rare. In the past they have planted roots of goodness in the presence of innumerable Buddhas. After death they will surely be born in the Western Land of Utmost Bliss, where they will enjoy various glorious adornments and the pleasure of Mahayana Dharma embodied in the Buddha's Pure Land. They can approach Amitayus Buddha and make offerings to him six times during the day and night. They can also fly to [the lands in] the ten directions to make offerings to Buddhas, where they will hear the Dharma taught by them and will receive assurances of their attainment of Buddhahood. Thus they will be able to perfect quickly the merits and wisdom and realize the highest perfect Enlightenment."

[18] When the Bhagavat had delivered this sutra, all the great shravakas, such as the Venerable Shariputra, and bodhisattvas, mahasattvas, together with all beings, including innumerable devas, humans and asuras, greatly rejoiced at the Buddha's exposition and received it in faith.
 
 

Thus have I heard. One time, the Bhagavat was residing at the Anathapindada retreat in the Jetavana Grove near Sravasti, with a great bhiksu congregation of 1,250 people, all of whom were venerable voice hearers, respected by the community, and great Arhats. Their names were: the Venerable Sariputra, Mahamaudgalyayana, Mahakasyapa, and Aniruddha. These were among the great voice hearers the foremost leaders.

Further, he was accompanied by an immeasurable number of bodhisattva-mahasattvas, all of whom resided in the seat of irreversibility [*] and were myriadly adorned by measureless merits. Their names were: Wondrous Fortune Bodhisattva, Undefeatable Bodhisattva, Always Diligent Bodhisattva, and Uninterrupted Peace Bodhisattva. These were among the great bodhisattvas the foremost leaders.

Further, Indra, the great King of the Brahma heaven, was present, as was the Lord of the Saha world, and the four defenders of the world (lokapalas). These were the foremost leaders among the hundreds of thousands of kotis of nayutas in the assembly of Gods. And from the remaining worlds a measureless number of Gods, men, and Asuras came to hear the Dharma, and who as a group seated themselves.

At that time, the World Honored One addressed Sariputra, "You should know that to the West of this realm, beyond hundreds of thousands of kotis of nayutas of Buddha lands, there is a Buddha realm named 'Blissful'. In that realm is a World Honored One whose name is 'Infinite Lifespan' and 'Infinite Light'; a Tathagata, an Arhat of perfect awakening, who completely fulfills the ten epithets of the Buddhas. There presently he resides with body and mind at rest, abides and upholds [that realm], and for the sentient beings expounds and propagates the Dharma which is most deep, minute, and wondrous, causing them to attain that most excellent blessing of peaceful happiness.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, what are the causes and what are the conditions of that Buddha realm being called 'Blissful'? Sariputra, it originated from the sort of sentient beings in that realm, who are devoid of all bodily and mental anguish and affliction; but who instead possess an infinitely pure joyful happiness. This is why it is called the realm of bliss.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, everywhere in the blissful realm, that pure Buddha land, there are seven kinds of paths lined with wondrous and precious hand railings, seven kinds of paths lined with rows of precious Tala trees, and there are seven kinds of precious netting. Everywhere there are gardens encircled with four treasured adornments: golden treasures, silver treasures, emerald treasures, and crystalline treasures; all being wondrously ornate and beautiful. Sariputra, in that Buddha land, such are the myriads of finely ornate and beautiful meritorious adornments which are very lovely and delightful. This is why it is called the realm of bliss.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, everywhere in the blissful realm, that pure Buddha land, there are seven wondrous treasure lakes and eight meritorious waters which fill them. What are called the eight meritorious waters? 1) clarity, 2) clear ice, 3) sweetly beautiful, 4) light and soft, 5) glistening, 6) serene, 7) when drank, it quenches the inestimable pangs of hunger and thirst, and 8) having drank it, it supports the continuation of the roots of the four gross elements. These increase the blessings of the various and most excellent good roots, and so the many deeds of the myriad beings function to bring about constant happiness. The bottoms of the treasure lakes are covered with golden sands. On each of their four sides, entirely encircling them, there are four sets of stairs [leading into them]. These four adornments are very lovely and delightful. The lakes have all around them wondrously jeweled trees and among them are ornamented pathways with perfumed airs of a sweet aroma. The seven treasures adorn the trees are very lovely and delightful. What are the seven treasures? 1) Gold, 2) silver, 3) emerald, 4) crystal, 5) ruby, 6) marble (asman) [?], and 7) white coral (musaragalva). In these lakes, there are always variously hued lotus blossoms whose diameter was like that of cart wheels:-- blue ..., yellow ..., red ..., white ..., and all four .... Sariputra, in that Buddha land, such are the myriads of finely ornate and beautiful meritorious adornments which are very lovely and delightful. This is why it is called the realm of bliss.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, spontaneously in the blissful realm, that pure Buddha land, there are constant, measureless, and boundless myriads of wondrously delightful talents. There are voices singing harmoniously, being lovely and delightful. The sentient beings who hear these wondrous voices have their unwholesome afflictions entirely and completely annulled. The infinite number of good dharmas gradually advance throughout in their long lives and speed them along to the realization of the supreme and perfect bodhi. Sariputra, in that Buddha land, such are the myriads of finely ornate and beautiful meritorious adornments which are very lovely and delightful. This is why it is called the realm of bliss.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, everywhere in the blissful realm, that pure Buddha land, pervasively the entire mass of the great earth consists of pure gold. Its touch is soft and pliable, the smell clean, and the light radiant. Measurelessly and boundlessly wondrous treasures decorate it throughout. Sariputra, in that Buddha land, such are the myriads of finely ornate and beautiful meritorious adornments which are very lovely and delightful. This is why it is called the realm of bliss.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, constantly in the realm of bliss, that pure Buddha land, day and night throughout the six periods, there rains down various sorts of wondrous Heavenly flowers which are in light blessed, in smell sweet, in feel delicate and pliable, and variously hued. Although they lead the viewer's body and mind to be pleased and joyful, there is no craving or attachment. Growing into old age, the sentient beings' most excellent merits are measureless, boundless, and inconceivable. Those sentient beings who day and night through the six periods constantly uphold and support the Infinite Lifespan Buddha, each morning collect these heavenly flowers. In the time of taking a single meal, they fly off in all directions into other infinite realms to give offerings to the hundreds of thousands of kotis of Buddhas in those Buddha places. Each, with the hundreds of thousands of kotis of flowers which they were carrying, scattered flower offerings and then returned to their original dwellings, frolicking in heavenly abodes [on the way]. Sariputra, in that Buddha land, such are the myriads of finely ornate and beautiful meritorious adornments which are very lovely and delightful. This is why it is called the realm of bliss.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, constantly in the realm of bliss, that pure Buddha land, there are various sorts of extraordinarily fine and lovely myriads of variously colored birds: geese, hawks, herons, swans, cranes, peacocks, sparrows, parrots, kalavinkas, [all] birds of varying lifespan. These myriad birds, day and night throughout the six periods, always are gathering together in flocks to produce peaceful bird song. According to each's species, their voices promulgate and popularize the subtle Dharma, which is known as the deep, profound thought, abiding in the proper detachment. According to their spiritual capacity, the strength of their roots, are their branches of enlightenment in the measureless and subtle Dharma. The myriad beings of that land having heard their singing, each then think of the Buddha, think of the Dharma, and think of the Sangha, cultivating and sharing among themselves measureless merits. You, Sariputra:-- What do you think? Could the myriad birds of that land have come to be born into such an evil destiny and accumulate there? You should not hold this view. Why is that? That Buddha's pure land is devoid of the three evil paths. Further, the names of the three evil destinies are unknown [in that land]. How much more, then, could truly evil karma be incurred by and cause rebirth [of sentient beings as] these myriads of birds? You should know that all of them the Infinite Lifespan Buddha has conjured into being and sent off by him to propagate the measureless Dharma voice and, by so doing, bless sentient beings with a peaceful happiness. Sariputra, in that Buddha land, such are the myriads of finely ornate and beautiful meritorious adornments which are very lovely and delightful. This is why it is called the realm of bliss.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, always in the realm of bliss, that pure Buddha land, there are wondrous winds blowing through the treasure trees and the treasure nettings, producing a fine and wondrous sound, like hundreds of thousands of kotis of heavenly musical instruments playing simultaneously. They produce minutely fine sounds which are very lovely and delightful. Such are the constant and wondrous winds that are in that land. In the myriad beings of that land, who have heard this sound, there arises the thought of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha, with the intention of measureless merit. Sariputra, in that Buddha land, such are the myriads of finely ornate and beautiful meritorious adornments which are very lovely and delightful. This is why it is called the realm of bliss.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, in the realm of bliss, that pure Buddha land, there are measureless, boundless, inconceivably profound and extraordinary happenings, such as the provisional explanation of the Sutras throughout hundreds of thousands of kotis of nayutas of kalpas, using their measureless hundreds of thousands of kotis of nayutas of languages. Each and every one of these languages producing immeasurable voices praising their merit and also their inexhaustibility. This is why is it called the realm of bliss.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, what are the circumstances in the realm of bliss, that pure Buddha land, leading to the Buddha there being named 'Infinite Lifespan'? Sariputra, it is from that tathagata and the sentient beings lifespan spanning infinitely countless kalpas. It is because of this circumstance that that land's tathagata is named 'Infinite Lifespan'. Sariputra, the Infinite Lifespan Buddha having come to realize the attainment of the supremely unexcelled bodhi, he has since governed his land for ten great kalpas. Sariputra, what are the circumstances leading to that Buddha being called 'Infinite Light'? Sariputra, it is from that tathagata's always emitting infinite, boundless, and wondrous lights which pervasively illuminate all the Buddha lands in the ten directions, offering those lands [a view of] that Buddha's activity without there being any obstacles. It is because of this circumstance that that land's tathagata is called 'Infinite Light'. Sariputra, the Buddha of that pure land has consummated thusly such meritorious adornments which are very lovely and delightful. This is why it is called the realm of bliss.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, in the realm of bliss, that pure Buddha land, the Infinite Lifespan Buddha always has an infinite number of voice hearer disciples, all of whom are great Arhats and have consummated various kinds of wondrous merits. Their measure is boundless, their number inestimable. Sariputra, the Buddha of that pure land has consummated thusly such meritorious adornments which are very lovely and delightful. This is why it is called the realm of bliss.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, in the realm of bliss, that pure Buddha land, the Infinite Lifespan Buddha always has an infinite number of bodhisattva disciples, all of whom have only one life bound by fetters and have consummated various sorts of wondrous merits. Their measure is boundless, and their inestimable. They have provisionally explained the Sutras throughout a countless number of kalpas, praising their merit, and the inexhaustibility of all. Sariputra, in that Buddha land, there is consummated thusly such meritorious adornments which are very lovely and delightful. This is why it is called the realm of bliss.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, if the sentient beings are to born into that land, it is necessary for them to be irreversible, never again falling into the evil destinies in the lands bordering [the pure land] down to the base, neglectful, contrary forms of transmigration. Always relaxing with the Buddhas of the Pure Land, they are extremely proficient in practicing the vows and making progress. Resolute and firm shall be their realization of the supremely unexcelled bodhi. Sariputra, in that Buddha land, there is consummated thusly such meritorious adornments which are very lovely and delightful. This is why it is called the realm of bliss.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, if sentient beings should hear of that Western pure Buddha land of the Infinite Lifespan Buddha's myriad adornments of immeasurable merits, all shall respond by initiating the vow to be born in the Buddha land. Why is that? If they are to be born into that land, they will have attained such immeasurable merits with which they are myriadly adorned, they would be great worthies gathered into a single assembly, receiving the function of such immeasurable merits which myriadly adorn the Pure Buddha land. Their delight in the Mahayana Dharma would be constant and irreversible and measureless would be their practice of vows, their concentration increasing progressive, and so they shall quickly realize the supremely unexcelled bodhi. Sariputra, the kind of sentient beings who are born into that Buddha land will have accomplished measureless and boundless merits. Not of lesser good roots are the sentient beings who will be reborn into the Infinite Lifespan Buddha's blissful realm, that Pure Buddha Land.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, suppose there is a good son or good daughter of pure faith, who hears thusly of the Infinite Lifespan Buddha's immeasurable, boundless, and inconceivable merit, the name of his realm of 'bliss', and its meritorious adornments. Having heard of it, they will meditate upon it -- whether for one day and night, or two, or three, or four, or five, or six, or seven [days and nights] -- they think about its essence, devoid of confusion. When this good son or good daughter is on the verge of the end of their lifespan, the Infinite Lifespan Buddha accompanied by his measureless voice hearer and bodhisattva disciples will circle him front and back, and come to rest before him. Compassionately conferring aid upon them, they will cause his mind to be without disorder. When he has left his current life, he will follow that Buddha and his assembly and be born into the Infinite Lifespan Buddha's realm of bliss, that pure Buddha land.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, I have examined the circumstances leading to the blessing of peaceful happiness of that great event. And I speak sincerely and truthfully when I say that if there are good sons and good daughters of pure faith who hear thusly of the Infinite Lifespan Buddha's inconceivable merit, the name of his realm of 'bliss', that pure Buddha land, all of them will respond by faithfully receiving [this teaching] and initiate the vow to cultivate their practice to be born in that Buddha land as I have instructed.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, as I now am praising the Infinite Lifespan Buddha's measureless, boundless, and inconceivable Buddha land and merit, so to the East also there presently resides the Imperturbable Tathagata, Mountain Pendant Tathagata, Great Mountain Tathagata, Mountain Light Tathagata, and Wondrous Pendant Tathagata. These are among the Buddhas who like the sands of the Ganges reside in the East. Each one has his own pure Buddha land presently, and their long and broad tongues completely cover the billion realms all around them, and speaking sincerely and truthfully, say: 'You sentient beings! All of you should faithfully receive thusly Praise for the Inconceivable Buddha land's Merit Accumulated by All the Buddhas Dharma-Entrance'.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, thusly to the South there also presently resides the Moon and Sun Light Tathagata, the Famed Light Tathagata, the Great Light Hoard Tathagata, Vessel of Intoxicating Light Tathagata [?], Boundless Diligence Tathagata. These are among the Buddhas who like the sands of the Ganges reside to the South. Each one has his own pure Buddha land presently, and their long and broad tongues completely cover the billion realms all around them, and speaking sincerely and truthfully, say: 'You sentient beings! All of you should faithfully receive thusly Praise for the Inconceivable Buddha land's Merit Accumulated by All the Buddhas Dharma-Entrance'.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, thusly to the West there also presently resides the Infinite Lifespan Tathagata, Infinite Treasury Tathagata, Infinite Light Tathagata, Infinite Pendant Tathagata, Great Sovereign Tathagata, Great Light Tathagata, and Blazing Light Tathagata, Great Treasure Pendant Tathagata, and Light Emitter Tathagata. These are among the Buddhas who like the sands of the Ganges reside to the West. Each one has his own pure Buddha land presently, and their long and broad tongues completely cover the billion realms all around them, and speaking sincerely and truthfully, say: 'You sentient beings! All of you should faithfully receive thusly Praise for the Inconceivable Buddha land's Merit Accumulated by All the Buddhas Dharma-Entrance'.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, thusly to the North there are also presently resides the Infinite Light Adornment of Penetrating Awakened Wisdom Tathagata, Infinite Heavenly Drum Beat and Great Voice Tathagata, Great Treasury Tathagata, Network of Lights Tathagata, and Salendraraja Tathagata. These are among the Buddhas who like the sands of the Ganges reside to the North. Each one has his own pure Buddha land presently, and their long and broad tongues completely cover the billion realms all around them and, speaking sincerely and truthfully, say: 'You sentient beings! All of you should faithfully receive thusly Praise for the Inconceivable Buddha land's Merit Accumulated by All the Buddhas Dharma-Entrance'.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, thusly to the Nadir there also presently resides the Constantly Emitted Light which Demonstrates All Subtle Dharmas of the True Principle King's Extremely Virtuous Light Tathagata, Lion Tathagata, Praiseworthy Light Tathagata, True Dharma Tathagata, Subtle Dharma Tathagata, Dharma Pendant Tathagata, Meritorious Friend Tathagata, and Meritorious Epithet Tathagata. These are among the Buddhas who like the sands of the Ganges reside to the Nadir. Each one has his own pure Buddha land presently, and their long and broad tongues completely cover the billion realms all around them and, speaking sincerely and truthfully, say: 'You sentient beings! All of you should faithfully receive thusly Praise for the Inconceivable Buddha land's Merit Accumulated by All the Buddhas Dharma-Entrance'.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, thusly to the Zenith there also presently resides the Brahma Voice Tathagata, Long Cherished King Tathagata, Incense and Light Tathagata, Very Virtuous Like the Crimson Lotus Blossom Tathagata, and Demonstration of All the Meanings of Blessing Tathagata. These are among the Buddhas who like the sands of the Ganges reside to the Zenith. Each one has his own pure Buddha land presently, and their long and broad tongues completely cover the billion realms all around them and, speaking sincerely and truthfully, say: 'You sentient beings! All of you should faithfully receive thusly Praise for the Inconceivable Buddha land's Merit Accumulated by All the Buddhas Dharma-Entrance'.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, thusly to the Southeast there also presently resides the Supreme and Extensively Great Thundercloud Voice King Tathagata. He is among the Buddhas who like the sands of the Ganges reside to the Southeast. Each one has his own pure Buddha land presently, and their long and broad tongues completely cover the billion realms all around them and, speaking sincerely and truthfully, say: 'You sentient beings! All of you should faithfully receive thusly Praise for the Inconceivable Buddha land's Merit Accumulated by All the Buddhas Dharma-Entrance'.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, thusly to the Southwest there also presently resides the Supreme Sunray Called 'Merit' Tathagata. He is among the Buddhas who like the sands of the Ganges reside to the Southwest. Each one has his own pure Buddha land presently, and their long and broad tongues completely cover the billion realms all around them and, speaking sincerely and truthfully, say: 'You sentient beings! All of you should faithfully receive thusly Praise for the Inconceivable Buddha land's Merit Accumulated by All the Buddhas Dharma-Entrance'.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, thusly to the Northwest there also presently resides the Flame of Infinite Merit King's Light Tathagata. He is among the Buddhas who like the sands of the Ganges reside to the Northwest. Each one has his own pure Buddha land presently, and their long and broad tongues completely cover the billion realms all around them and, speaking sincerely and truthfully, say: 'You sentient beings! All of you should faithfully receive thusly Praise for the Inconceivable Buddha land's Merit Accumulated by All the Buddhas Dharma-Entrance'.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, thusly to the Northeast there also presently resides the Countless Hundreds of Thousands of Kotis of Nayutas of Extensive Wisdoms Tathagata. He is among the Buddhas who like the sands of the Ganges reside to the Northeast. Each one has his own pure Buddha land presently, and their long and broad tongues completely cover the billion realms all around them and, speaking sincerely and truthfully, say: 'You sentient beings! All of you should faithfully receive thusly the Praise for the Inconceivable Buddha land's Merit Accumulated by All the Buddhas Dharma-Entrance'.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, what the conditions of this Sutra being named 'Praise for the Inconceivable Buddha land's Merit Accumulated by All the Buddhas Dharma-Entrance'? Sariputra, it is because in this Sutra there is praise and commendation of the Infinite Lifespan Buddha's blissful realm, that inconceivable Buddha land's merits, as well as the Buddha World Honored Ones in the other ten directions. Because they desire to expeditiously bless with peaceful happiness the sentient beings, each resides in his own land demonstrating the great spiritual transformation, speaking sincerely and truthfully the words: 'O, sentient beings, faithfully receive this Dharma, etc'. This is why this Sutra is called 'Praise for the Inconceivable Buddha land's Merit Accumulated by All the Buddhas Dharma-Entrance'.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, if there is a good son or good daughter, whether having already heard this, or shall hear it, or who is now hearing it:-- once hearing this Sutra, profoundly is there born an understanding faith. Once there is born an understanding faith, a certainty about the accumulations of merit residing in the ten directions with the Buddha World Honored Ones whose number is like the sands of ten Ganges Rivers, and they practice as instructed, all will be firmly in the supremely unexcelled bodhi. Attaining irreversibility in it, all will certainly be born in the Infinite Lifespan Buddha's blissful realm, that purified Buddha land. This is why, Sariputra, you sentient beings all should faithfully receive and understand what I as well as the Buddha World Honored Ones of the ten directions say: 'Be always diligent as instructed and cultivate your practice. Do not allow doubts and anxieties arise.'

"Furthermore, Sariputra, if there is a good son or good daughter who regarding the Infinite Lifespan Buddha's blissful realm, that purified Buddha land of meritorious adornments:-- whether they have initiated the vow, or they will initiate the vow, or they now are initiating the vow to be certain about the accumulations of merit residing in the ten directions with the Buddha World Honored Ones whose number is like the sands of ten Ganges Rivers, and they practice as instructed, all will firmly be in the supremely unexcelled bodhi. Attaining irreversibility in it, all will certainly be born in the Infinite Lifespan Buddha's blissful realm, that purified Buddha land. This is the reason, Sariputra, that if there are good sons or good daughters of pure faith, all should regarding the Infinite Lifespan Buddha's blissful realm, that purified Buddha land [have] the profound thought of understanding faith and initiate the vow to be reborn there, and not to go elsewhere.

"Furthermore, Sariputra, as I now have praised and commended the Infinite Lifespan Buddha's blissful realm, the inconceivable merits of that Buddha land, and those Buddha World Honored Ones of the ten directions, also they have commended my own inconceivable and boundless merits, composing the statement: 'Most extraordinary is Shakyamuni's tranquil purity; Shakyamuni, the Dharma king, a Tathagata, an Arhat, a perfectly enlightened one, one whose wisdom and conduct are complete, a Well Gone One, A Knower of Worlds, Unsurpassed, a Tamer of Men, a Teacher of Gods and Men, and a Buddha World Honored One. He is able in the realm of endurance, during the five periods of unwholesome decay, which are: the kalpa's decay, the decay of sentient beings, the decay of affliction, the decay of capacity, and the decay of the lifespan. Amidst this, he has realized the attainment of the supremely unexcelled bodhi. Because of his desire to expediently bestow the blessing of peaceful happiness on the sentient beings, he preaches in this world where it is extremely difficult to have faith in the Dharma. It is most extraordinary and inconceiveable.'

"Furthermore, Sariputra, in this variously defiled realm of endurance, during the five periods of decay, if there are good sons or good daughters of pure faith who hear the preaching thusly of the Dharma in all the realms where it is difficult to believe, and are able to give rise an understanding faith, receive and uphold the extensive teachings, cultivating themselves according to the teachings:-- these persons shall be known to be most extraordinary. Having with measureless buddhas accumulated their good roots, when these persons' lifetimes come to an end, they certainly will be born in the Western realm of bliss and receive the effect of the various sorts of meritorious adornments of that Pure Buddha land where the Mahayana Dharma is a delight. Day and night, throughout the six periods, they will befriend and support the Infinite Lifespan Buddha. They will frolic throughout the ten directions supporting Buddhas, and with those Buddhas hearing the Dharma and receiving prediction [of future Buddhahood]. Their deeds, wisdom, wealth, provisions, and urgency becoming completely fulfilled, they advance quickly to the realization of the unsurpassed and perfect bodhi."

When the Bhagavat had finished preaching this Sutra, the Venerable Sariputra, the great voice hearers, as well as the bodhisattva-mahasattva congregation and the measureless gods, men, and asuras:-- all in the great assembly hearing the Buddha's lecture were greatly elated, and faithfully received, transmitted, and practiced it.

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