Commentary on the Pitāputrasamāgama Sūtra (232)

The Cause of Affluence and Happiness

Original Text:

Thus, the affluence and happiness, along with the various adornments, are all obtained through the Boundless Praised King’s past accumulation of vast meritorious roots and the power of blessings. Furthermore, surrounding that Jewel-Adorned City are eighty-four thousand pure gardens. In each garden, there are eight great ponds. Each pond spans half a yojana in width. Along the banks of each pond are four sets of steps, crafted from four kinds of jewels, exquisitely adorned. The eight meritorious waters fill these ponds, while multicolored lotus flowers bloom and spread across them. Along the pond banks, there are also various flowers: Atimuktaka flowers, Campaka flowers, Vāśikā flowers, Sumana flowers, Aśoka flowers, Mālati flowers, and so forth—such kinds of wondrous fragrant blossoms. The Boundless Praised King, together with his ministers and subjects, resides in these gardens, engaging in joyful recreation.

Commentary:

All such splendid adornments of wealth and bliss are attained through the Boundless Praised King’s past cultivation of vast meritorious roots and the power of blessings. None of this arises without cause, nor can it be enjoyed without reason. Surrounding that Jewel-Adorned City are eighty-four thousand pure gardens. Each garden contains eight great ponds, each spanning half a yojana in width. Along the banks of each pond are four sets of steps, fashioned from four kinds of jewels and exquisitely adorned. The eight meritorious waters fill the ponds, while brilliantly colored lotus flowers bloom and spread across the banks. Along those pond banks grow even more blossoms, such as Atimuktaka flowers, Campaka flowers, Vāśikā flowers, Sumana flowers, Aśoka flowers, Mālati flowers, and so forth—all such kinds of wondrous fragrant flowers. The Boundless Praised King and his ministers and subjects dwell in these gardens, reveling together in joyful play.

Original Text:

O King, that royal palace-city is lofty, vast, and splendid, with rows of jeweled tāla trees planted throughout. Jeweled nets encircle it entirely, while jeweled bells chime in harmony, producing exquisite sounds akin to the music of five instruments. At that time, the people, relying on the king’s virtuous influence, dwell in affluence and happiness, at ease and secure.

Commentary:

The Buddha said: “O King, the Boundless Praised King’s palace-city is lofty, vast, and magnificently adorned, with rows of jeweled tāla trees planted throughout. Jeweled nets encircle it completely, and jeweled bells chime harmoniously, emitting wondrous melodies resembling the blended sounds of five musical instruments. The people of that time, relying on the king’s virtuous blessings and guidance, lived in affluence and happiness, free and secure.”