English
Is it not by three countless eons that the Tathagatas are perfectly accomplished? The Blessed One said: 'Son of good family, it is not so.' Son of good family, why is that? The realm of the Tathagata to be accomplished by a Bodhisattva is inconceivable. It cannot be perfectly accomplished by three countless eons. When a Bodhisattva enters the equality of Dharma, from that time onwards, eons should be counted, not from the time of the initial aspiration.' The Bodhisattva Eliminating All Obscurations asked: 'Blessed One, those beings who, having heard of this greatness of the Tathagata, obtain joy, faith, and delight, are indeed fortunate! They perform virtuous deeds, abandon karmic obscurations, possess great faith and devotion, and are close to Bodhi. What need is there to mention those who, having heard, hold, recite, read, fully understand, and also extensively proclaim it to others? Blessed One, these beings will soon become vessels for such greatness of the Tathagata.' The Blessed One said: 'Son of good family, it is so, it is so. Son of good family, those beings who will hear of this greatness of the Tathagata are embraced by the Buddhas. They will generate roots of virtue and will attend to and honor many Buddhas. Sons and daughters of good family should not generate doubt, hesitation, or wavering. Any son or daughter of good family who, for seven nights, has no other thoughts in mind and whose mind is not distracted, enters with strong intention and strong faith, and remembers this greatness of the Tathagata, after seven nights have passed, he should prepare the ritual of offering, wear clean clothes, manifest faith, and sit down. Then, on that night, he will see the Tathagata. If he does not do so, or if the ritual is incomplete, he will become single-minded, and even at the time of death, he will abide in the presence of the Tathagata.' The Bodhisattva Eliminating All Obscurations asked: