Selected Lectures on the Sutra of the Meeting of Father and Son (136)

Such affluence and bliss, along with the various adornments, were all attained by the immeasurable merits accumulated through the vast wholesome roots and meritorious virtues of King Wubiancheng. Furthermore, surrounding that jewel-adorned city, there were eighty-four thousand pure gardens. In each garden, there were eight great ponds. Each pond measured half a yojana in width. Along the banks of each pond were four flights of steps, exquisitely adorned with four kinds of jewels. The waters of the eight meritorious virtues filled them, and multi-colored lotus flowers bloomed profusely throughout. Along those pond banks were also various flowers: Atimuktaka flowers, Campaka flowers, Vāsikā flowers, Sumana flowers, Aśoka flowers, Mallikā flowers, and so forth—all such kinds of wondrous fragrant flowers. King Wubiancheng, together with his ministers and people, dwelled within the gardens, enjoying recreation and amusement together.