Chapter One   The Causes and Conditions of Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla’s Request for the Dharma

Section Three   The Present-Life Fruition of Merit for Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla

Original Text: At that time, the Elder Ānanda, seeing Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla, whose appearance was radiant, majestic, and complete with excellent marks, addressed the Buddha, saying: "World-Honored One, such a one has never been seen before! This Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla possesses great merit and virtue. His radiant splendor is abundant and majestic. The majestic appearances of all kings are completely obscured and cannot manifest in his presence."

Explanation: At this time, the Elder Ānanda saw Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla, whose appearance was dignified, stately, and magnificent, with a radiant countenance. He then said to the Buddha: "World-Honored One, I have never encountered such a person. This Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla possesses great merit and virtue. His entire body emits light and is supremely majestic. The majestic virtues and appearances of all kings are hidden and cannot manifest in his presence."

From his attendants and his sixty thousand merchant leaders, one can perceive the vastness of his merit and virtue. Upon his appearance, all kings seem devoid of majesty. Although those kings also possess great merit and virtue, when compared to Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla, their majestic virtues and appearances are all obscured and cannot manifest; only Bhadrapāla’s radiant and abundant appearance is seen. This section turns back to introduce how the Bodhisattva Bhadrapāla cultivated merit and virtue in his past lives, resulting in such great karmic fruition of merit in this present life.

Original Text: The Buddha told Ānanda: "This is due to the merit and virtue cultivated in the past by this superior Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla. Although dwelling among humans, he experiences the superior fruition of the heavens: peace, comfort, joy, ease, amusement, delight, and unrestrained pleasure, just like Śakra (Lord of the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven). In Jambudvīpa (the Southern Continent), only Kumārabhūta Candraprabha surpasses him; there is none other comparable. Ānanda addressed the Buddha, saying: 'The karmic fruition, resources, and use enjoyed by Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla stem from his past-planted wholesome roots. We beseech you to explain.'"

Explanation: The Buddha said to Ānanda: "This is the result of the great merit and virtue cultivated by Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla in the past. Although he is in the human realm, possessing a human body, the karmic fruition he enjoys is entirely that which should be experienced by heavenly beings: peace, comfort, joy, ease, delight, amusement, and unrestrained pleasure, just like Śakra, the Lord of the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven (the Jade Emperor). His karmic fruition is sufficient to rival that of Śakra. Among the great meritorious ones in Jambudvīpa (the Southern Continent), Kumārabhūta Candraprabha ranks first, and he ranks second; besides Candraprabha, there is none who surpasses him." Ānanda said to the Buddha: "Please, World-Honored One, explain to us the matters of Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla planting wholesome roots of merit and virtue over many lives, and the abundance of his karmic fruition and resources."

Original Text: The Buddha told Ānanda: "The present blissful karmic fruition enjoyed by Bhadrapāla, his vast resources and use, and his past superior causes—you should now listen. Ānanda, this Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla has sixty thousand merchant leaders whose assets are abundant and rich, with gold and jewels filling their treasuries. They revere and accept his teachings, follow and serve him devotedly. There are sixty thousand beds and seats, spread with bedding: felt mats, quilts, silks, and brocades, along with bolsters and pillows, etc., of variegated colors, brilliantly shining, exquisitely beautiful and majestic. There are curtains of Kūṭa silk and Kāuśeya (fine silk), fire-washed cloth, and Chinese Anshu silk, spread all around. Precious jewels are inlaid and carved throughout, mutually enhancing and brilliantly resplendent, interwoven like a painting."

Explanation: The Buddha told Ānanda: "The blissful karmic fruition Bhadrapāla now receives, his vast and abundant means of livelihood, his numerous and extensive attendants—when he walks, it is like an earthquake—the merit and virtue he cultivated over many lives, the causes and conditions for attaining this karmic fruition, and the wholesome root causes he planted over past lives—listen now, and I will explain them to you.

Ānanda, this Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla is surrounded by sixty thousand merchant leaders. The assets of these merchant leaders are abundant, with gold, silver, and jewels filling their treasuries. Yet they are extremely reverent towards Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla, willing to accept his instruction, follow him, and serve him. In Bhadrapāla’s residence, there are sixty thousand beds and seats, all spread with bedding: woolen quilts, mattresses, and bolsters, etc., in brilliant colors, exquisitely majestic. The windows have curtains of Kūṭa silk, the clothes worn are of cicada-silk and fine silk, and there are also fire-resistant asbestos fabrics used for gifts, as well as Indian Anshu silk. These valuable items are layered and exceedingly numerous, with many precious jewels carved and inlaid among them, mutually enhancing their brilliance, interwoven together as beautiful as a painting."

This entire section describes the furnishings of his room, depicting the decorations within the bedroom, the splendor of the chamber, and the extremely luxurious and opulent adornments, highlighting the vastness of Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla’s merit and virtue.

Original Text: Sixty thousand female musicians, clad in Anshu silk, with variegated colors intermingled, adorned with gold and jeweled ornaments, fresh, splendid, dazzling, and radiant, their brilliance dazzling to the eyes. Their touch is fine and soft, like heavenly Kācā cloth, light or heavy according to the mind, perfectly suiting the heart's desire. With playful expressions and laughter, singing to entertain each other, they are graceful, dignified, pure, gentle, and respectful in serving their master. Towards others, their minds are utterly devoid of affection or desire; they are often modest, lowering their heads in shame, or covering their heads to veil their appearance. Their skin is smooth and full, soft and fine to the touch; the bones and veins of their hands, feet, limbs, joints, and ankles are all completely unseen. Their teeth are white, even, and close-set; their hair is dark blue and curls to the right, as if carved from wax, like the work of a painter. Their clans are illustrious and renowned, their fame flowing far and wide. Such women serve as attendants.

Explanation: There are also sixty thousand female attendants, wearing extremely bright and splendid clothing, with colors intermingled, adorned with golden jewels, dazzling to the eyes. Touching the clothes, they feel very fine and soft, like heavenly garments, becoming light or heavy according to the mind’s wish, perfectly satisfying. They laugh and talk joyfully together, singing and dancing to entertain each other, their appearances all beautiful and dignified, serene, graceful, strict, and pure. Their movements are solemn yet pleasing; their minds are gentle, dedicated to serving their master.

Towards others, they have no mind of affection or desire at all; they are often modest, lowering their heads in shame, or covering their heads, veiling their countenances. Their muscles are full and smooth; the bones and veins of their hands, feet, limbs, and joints are not visible. Their teeth are white, even, and close-set; their hair is dark blue and curls to the right, as if carved from wax, or like a painter’s work. Their family reputations are all vast and illustrious, famous and distinguished. Such outwardly beautiful women are all attendants of Bhadrapāla.

Original Text: Furthermore, there are sixty thousand women who provide food. Rice, cakes, and various other items are of diverse colors, with fragrant smells and delicious flavors, like heavenly delicacies. The drinking vessels possess eight virtues; seeing them gladdens the heart, soothes the body, and satisfies the mind. The food appears without labor, ripening naturally. This is food born of merit, arriving according to the mind's wish. It cleanses impurities and filth, removes all illnesses and ailments.

Explanation: Additionally, there are sixty thousand women who provide Bhadrapāla with food and drink. Rice, cakes, and all provisions are complete in color, fragrance, and taste, just like the food of heavenly beings. The utensils for eating are also superior, possessing eight kinds of virtues, causing joy upon sight and bringing peace to the body. When food is placed in these vessels, it ripens naturally without human effort. This is food born of merit, manifesting according to the mind’s wish. It also automatically cleanses impurities from the food and dispels diseases. This is the enjoyment of the Nirmāṇarati and Paranirmitavaśavartin heavens in the desire realm.

These heavenly beings receive their daily food simply by thinking of it; a hundred flavors of food and drink automatically appear before them. This is the merit cultivated by heavenly beings. Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla enjoys this reward while in the human realm. He, as a human, enjoys the blessings of heavenly beings, the supreme karmic fruition of Śakra, the Lord of the Heavens.

Original Text: Courtyards, halls, terraces, and pavilions number sixty thousand in total. Pearls, cat's eyes, crystal, and various other jewels are arrayed and hung as ornaments. Precious jewels are inlaid throughout, arranged in beautiful rows. Finely colored fabrics are draped and suspended, adorned with bells that tinkle in the wind, producing harmonious and resonant sounds.

Explanation: His terraces and courtyards are adorned with sixty thousand kinds of precious jewels, such as maṇi pearls, pearls, vaiḍūrya (beryl/crystal), etc. The terraces and pavilions have jewels inlaid throughout, exquisitely decorated, accompanied by precious bells, their sound pleasing to the ear in the gentle breeze. The ground is like vaiḍūrya, reflecting images. Various flower petals are scattered upon the vaiḍūrya ground, making one feel extremely cool and joyful, comfortable and happy. There are also various musical instruments producing various sounds, totaling sixty thousand kinds of beautiful music. The sounds are melodious, clear, and resonant, capable of traveling very far, shaking the area under his family's domain.

The melodies are beautiful, melodious, clear, and resonant, capable of traveling to very distant places. These sounds rise and fall, intermingle, and resound, shaking the surrounding regions in all ten directions. All of this is due to the profound meritorious karma cultivated by Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla in past lives, resulting in uninterrupted joy and prosperity in this life.

Original Text: The ground is like vaiḍūrya, reflecting numerous images. Scattered flowers abound, bringing coolness and joy. Roaming and resting there, the heart is delighted and the will satisfied. Furthermore, there are slender-waisted women playing the lute, harp, long flutes, copper cymbals, and clear singing—various kinds of sounds, numbering sixty thousand in total. The beautiful sounds are melodious and mellow, resonating clearly and heard afar. The clamor and diverse performances shake the entire region. This is the result of meritorious karma, bringing unceasing joy.

Explanation: The ground is as clear and bright as vaiḍūrya, reflecting numerous images. The courtyard is scattered with various jeweled flowers. Walking within it brings a sense of physical and mental coolness and a joyful, pleasant state of mind. Furthermore, there are countless women with graceful figures and beautiful, dignified appearances playing various instruments like the lute and long flutes, accompanied by singing. Various beautiful sounds blend together, totaling over sixty thousand kinds.

Original Text: Pigeons and various other birds fly about and gather. Different sounds intermingle harmoniously, delighting the heart and pleasing the ear. Vines and numerous flowers twine around the terraces and pavilions. Fresh blossoms stand out in beauty, luxuriant and radiant. The sounds of bells and musical instruments resonate like those in a heavenly palace.

Explanation: Pigeons and many other kinds of birds fly about, gather, and assemble within. Various different sounds intermingle harmoniously, making one feel mentally refreshed and the wonderful sounds pleasant to the ear. Various flowers and vines encircle the terraces and pavilions, competing in fragrance and beauty, luxuriant and flourishing, radiating clear brilliance. The sounds of precious bells and musical instruments are unceasing, just like the wonderful sounds in a heavenly palace.

The entire family attained this due to cultivating profound meritorious karma, resulting in unceasing joy. Greatly meritorious individuals attract flocks of birds to fly and soar around them. The calls of various birds are harmonious and pleasant to the ear. Various flowers and vines encircle the terraces and pavilions, competing in fragrance and beauty, luxuriant and radiant. The sounds of musical instruments are like the beautiful music of a heavenly palace.

Original Text: The halls and corridors are bright and clear, like the caverns of Mount Sumeru. Divine medicines flow and shine. There are sixty thousand cities with high walls towering steeply, watchtowers fully equipped. Streets are laid out in rows, with thoroughfares meeting at crossroads in three directions. Beauty fills them to overflowing; treasures from all quarters gather there.

Explanation: Inside and outside the palace where Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla resides, the buildings and verandas are adorned and embellished with the seven precious stones and jade, appearing dazzlingly brilliant and resplendent. There are sixty thousand cities, containing various kinds of treasures within, like the treasure caves of a Wheel-Turning Sage King. Among them are vases filled with various divine medicines, flowing with light and color, filling the space. The city walls are tall, steep, and imposing, equipped with watchtowers for observation and defense. Every street is guarded and laid out like this, extending in all directions, brimming with beautiful appearances. The buildings from all directions are similarly splendid, with treasures from all quarters gathered together.

Original Text: Various kinds of clothing, various kinds of speech, laws and customs are extremely diverse. Countenances and appearances are unique; strange goods line the market stalls. Hundreds and thousands of merchant companions engage in trade, the clamor of transactions shaking the entire city.

Explanation: On the thoroughfare streets, people wear various kinds of splendid clothing. When conversing, they use various local dialects. The goods in the shops are extremely diverse in kind, exquisitely packaged, with different styles and appearances. Shops display rare goods; hundreds and thousands of merchants come and go for trade. The noisy sounds of transactions shake the entire city domain.

Original Text: Groves and gardens are luxuriant and lush. Large trees, small trees, vines, flowering plants, and medicinal herbs abound. Numerous flowers vie in blooming. Clear waves encircle and reflect, intermingling with brilliant light, resplendent like unfurled brocade. Elephants, horses, and carriages number in the hundreds and thousands, coming and going without cease, filling the entire city.

Explanation: The groves and gardens here are verdant and lush. Trees of different sizes, flowers, and plants are spread throughout, with vines entwining, flowers blooming, and medicinal herbs covering the ground. Numerous beautiful flowers are all competing in full bloom. Clear water ripples encircle and reflect, crisscrossing brilliantly in between. Seen from afar, it is dazzlingly splendid, like brocade adorned with various jewels. Elephants, horses, and carriages number over a hundred thousand, shuttling back and forth incessantly, filling the entire city.

The entire passage describes the scene of their extremely luxurious life resulting from cultivating great meritorious karma. The city walls are tall, the streets broad, the clothing diverse, the goods abundant, and elephants, horses, and carriages number in the hundreds of thousands, shuttling back and forth, permeating the city. The clamor of merchant transactions shakes the entire city. The living environment is elegant; the entire city and its walls belong to their family.

Original Text: Ānanda, in the sixty thousand cities, renowned and virtuous personages, as well as all the wealthy nobles and merchant leaders, daily praise Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla, proclaiming his reputation and virtue. With devout reverence, they join their palms, bow in worship, and pay respects. King Prasenajit of Kośala, whose power of merit is prosperous and abundant, compared to Bhadrapāla, appears akin to a poor and lowly person.

Explanation: The Buddha said to Ānanda: The renowned and highly esteemed individuals within the sixty thousand cities, along with all the wealthy nobles and merchant leaders, come daily to praise the wealth and merit and virtue of Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla, proclaiming Bhadrapāla’s virtuous conduct. Towards Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla, they are all pious, reverent, respectful, and admiring. King Prasenajit of Kośala possesses merit power that is already immensely abundant, but compared to Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla, he is like a poor person.

Original Text: Kumārabhūta Candraprabha is attended by immeasurable hundreds of thousands of female musicians who surround him, serving him respectfully. They delight in joyful play; he is the support of all pleasures. Although the Lord of the Heavens, Śakra, possesses immeasurable merit, even increased a hundred thousand times, it does not equal that of Candraprabha in the human realm. Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla, though his appearance is splendid and majestic, wealthy and at ease, peaceful, comfortable, and joyful, even if his merit were increased a hundred thousand times, it still would not equal that of Candraprabha. These are all the results of merit planted in past lives; they are not attained through effort in this life alone.

Explanation: Another greatly meritorious person, Kumārabhūta Candraprabha, also has immeasurable hundreds of thousands of female attendants surrounding him, serving him respectfully, loving him joyfully and playfully; he is the support of the happiness of beings. Although Śakra, the Lord of the Trāyastriṃśa Heaven, possesses immeasurable merit, even if it were increased a hundred thousand times, it would still not equal Candraprabha in the human realm; Candraprabha’s merit surpasses Śakra’s by a hundred thousand times. Although Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla’s appearance is splendid and majestic, wealthy and at ease, peaceful, comfortable, and joyful, even if his merit were increased a hundred thousand times, it would still not equal Candraprabha’s merit. All of this is due to the profound merit and virtue they cultivated over many lives; it cannot be attained solely through striving in this present life.

People nowadays always seek promotion, wealth, and prosperity. If you did not cultivate merit and accumulate blessings in past lives, it is impossible to have such great merit and virtue in this life to fulfill your wishes. Especially now, corrupt officials try to enjoy glory and wealth through embezzlement and other means; this is an attempt to forcibly obtain blessings they do not deserve. The result is that it will still dissipate. Truly, those with meritorious blessings need not covet; blessings come naturally.

Original Text: Ānanda, Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla also possesses a jeweled chariot with wish-fulfilling powers, adorned with heavenly jewels, radiant and blazingly brilliant. Heavenly gold, vajra, luminous jade, sun-stones, and various other jewels are inlaid and intermingled, beautiful like viewing stars. It travels as fast as the wind, like a garuḍa in flight. Riding this jeweled chariot, places like the Jeweled Continent are reached according to his thought. His body does not tire; he returns joyfully after his amusement.

Explanation: The Buddha continued: Ānanda, Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla also has a jeweled chariot with wish-fulfilling powers, capable of flying to various places. It is carved and adorned with heavenly jewels, extremely radiant and splendid. It is inlaid with heavenly gold and vajra, luminous jade, sun-stones, and various other jewels set together, inlaid and intermingled, beautiful like studded stars. Its speed of travel is like the wind, like the flight of a garuḍa. Kumārabhūta Bhadrapāla rides this chariot, and all places like the Jeweled Continent are reached instantly according to his wish. No matter how far he flies, his body does not tire; he always returns joyfully.