The Flower Ornament Scripture

by Thomas Cleary

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Wonderful Canopy; its Buddha is Mind Free in All Things.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Jewel Adorned Lion Throne; its Buddha is called Great Dragon Abyss.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Producing Diamond Thrones; its Buddha is called Ascending the Lotus Platform of a Lion Throne.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Supreme Lotus Sound; its Buddha is All-Enlightening Light of Knowledge.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Good Customs; its Buddha is King of Sublime Light Holding the Earth.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Sound of Happiness; its Buddha is King of the Lamp of Truth.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Jewel Treasury Indra’s Net; its Buddha is Not Seen in Vain.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Myriad Wonderful Mines; its Buddha is Flame Body Banner.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Wheel of Golden Light; its Buddha is Purifying the Acts of Living Beings.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Adornments of the Polar Mountains; its Buddha is Clouds of All Virtues Shining Everywhere.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Shapes of Myriad Trees; its Buddha is Awareness like a Pure Moon like a Jewel Flower.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called No Fear; its Buddha is Torch of Supreme Golden Light.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Dragon King Banner of Great Renown; its Buddha is Seeing All Things as Equal.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Displaying Crystal Colors; its Buddha is Sun of Metamorphic Production.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Array of Light Flame Lamps; its Buddha is Jewel Canopy Light Illumining All.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Fragrant Light Cloud; its Buddha is Contemplative Wisdom.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called No Enmity; its Buddha is Ocean of Energetic Supreme Intellect.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Banner of Lights of All Adornments; its Buddha is Sovereign King Able to Produce Delightful Lotuses Anywhere.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Hair-Curl Adornments, shaped like a half-moon, resting on a sea of crystal flowers from the polor mountain, covered by clouds of radiant diamonds of all kinds of ornaments, surrounded by as many worlds as atoms in twenty buddha-fields, all uniformly pure. Its Buddha is called Pure Eye.

  “Turning to the right of this Diamond Mass sea of fragrant water, there is another sea of fragrant water, called Jewel Ramparts of Celestial Cities, with a world system called Lamp Flame Light, composed of the sounds of all impartial teachings. At the bottom of this system is a world called Ring of Jewel Moonlight Flowers, shaped like all kinds of ornaments, resting on a sea of flowers embellished with all kinds of jewels, covered by clouds of lion thrones the color of lapis lazuli, surrounded by as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field. The Buddha there is called Free Light of Sun and Moon.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Polar Mountain Jewel Light; its Buddha is Banner of Inexhaustuble Jewels of Truth.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Myriad Beautiful Light Beams; its Buddha is Great Mass of Flowers.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Crystal Light Flower; its Buddha is Most Independent of Humans.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Universal Sound; its Buddha is Omniscience Illumining Everywhere.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Great Tree Kinnara Sound; its Buddha is Independent Dragon with Infinite Virtues.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Boundless Pure Light; its Buddha is Light of Jewel Flowers of Virtue.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Supreme Sound; its Buddha is Array of All Knowledge.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Decorated with Many Jewels; its Buddha is Jewel Flame Polar Mountain.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Pure Wonderfully High Sound; its Buddha is Manifesting the Light of All Practices.

  ‘Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Perfume Canopy; its Buddha is Unobstructed Ocean of All Transcendent Ways.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Lion Flower Net; its Buddha is Jewel Flame Banner.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Lamp of Beautiful Diamond Flowers; its Buddha is Light of All Great Vows.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Stage of Illumination of All Things; its Buddha is Vast True Meaning of All Things.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Level Ornaments of Pearl Dust; its Buddha is Net of Light of Supreme Wisdom.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Lapis Lazuli Flowers; its Buddha is called Jewel Cluster Banner.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Sphere of Immeasurable Subtle Lights; its Buddha is Oceanic Treasury of Great Powerful Knowledge.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Clearly Seeing the Ten Directions; its Buddha is Banner of Pure Cultivation of All Virtues.

  “Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, is a world called Pleasing Pure Sound, shaped like Buddha’s hand, resting on a sea of networks of jewel lights, covered by clouds of all adornments of enlightening beings’ bodies, surrounded by as many worlds as atoms in twenty buddha-fields, all uniformly pure. The Buddha there is called Unimpeded Light Illumining the Entire Cosmos.”

  The enlightening being Universally Good also said to the great congregation, “East of the Repository of Undefiled Flames sea of fragrant water is another sea of fragrant water, called Subtle Body of Mystic Emanation. In this sea is a system of worlds called Well-Arrayed Different Quarters. Next to that is a sea of fragrant water called Adamantine Eye Banner, with a world system called Bridges Adorning the Universe. Next to that is a sea of fragrant water called Beautiful Arrays of Various Lotuses, with a world system called Constantly Producing Emanations in the Ten Directions. Next to that is a sea of fragrant water called Gapless Diamond Wheel, with a world system called Dense Clouds of Jewel Lotus Stems. Next to that is a sea of fragrant water called Flames of Wonderful Fragrance Adorning Everywhere, with a world system called Vairocana’s Acts of Metamorphosis and Emanation. Next to that is a sea of fragrant water called Gold Banner of Jewel Dust, with a world system called Realm of the Buddhas’ Protection. Next to that is a sea of fragrant water called Blazing Lights of All Colors, with a world system called Supreme Light Shining Everywhere. Next to that is a sea of fragrant water called Realm of All Embellishments, with a world system called Jewel Flame Lamp.

  “There are as many such seas of fragrant waters as atoms in unspeakably many buddha-fields. The sea of fragrant water closest to the perimeter mountains is called Crystal Ground
, with a world system called Always Radiating Light, composed of the sounds of the pure eons of the ocean of worlds. At the bottom of this world system is a world called Banner of Pleasing Pure Light, surrounded by as many worlds as atoms in a buddha-field, uniformly pure; the Buddha there is called Energetic Wisdom with Supreme Concentration. Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in ten buddha-fields, level with the world Diamond Banner, the world on the tenth level of the world system of the sea of fragrant water in the center, is a world called Banner of Arrays of Fragrances, surrounded by as many worlds as atoms in ten buddha-fields, uniformly pure; the Buddha there is called Unobstructed Lamp of the Cosmos. Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in three buddha-fields, parallel to the world Endurance, is a world called Radiant Treasury of Light; its Buddha is Unimpeded Light of Wisdom Pervading the Cosmos. Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in seven buddha-fields, at the top of this world system, is a world called Supreme Body Fragrance, surrounded by as many worlds as atoms in twenty buddha-fields, uniformly pure. The Buddha there is called Flowers of the Branches of Enlightenment.

  “Beyond the sea of fragrant water called Sphere of Inexhaustible Light is another sea of fragrant water, called Full of Subtle Light, with a world system called Everywhere Undefiled. Next to that is a sea of fragrant water called Canopy of Radiance, with a world system called Boundless Adornments. Next to that is a sea of fragrant water called Array of Exquisite Jewels, with a world system called Parametric Form of Aromatic Crystals. Next there is a sea of fragrant water called Producing the Sounds of Buddha’s Voice, with a world system called Well-Structured Array. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Polar Mountain Treasury of Banners of Fragrance, with a world system called Light Filling Everywhere. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Subtle Light of Sandalwood, with a world system called Wreath of Flower Radiance. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Atmospheric Power Sustaining, with a world system called Banner of Clouds of Aromatic Flames. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Adornments of the Body of the King of Gods, with a world system called Pearl Treasury. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Level and Pure, with a world system called Various Adornments of Lapis Lazuli Dust.

  “There are as many such seas of fragrant water as atoms in unspeakably many buddha-fields; the one closest to the surrounding mountains is called Beautiful Tree Blossoms, having a world system called Producing Vast Lands, composed of the sounds of all Buddhas vanquishing demons. At the bottom of this system is a world called Flaming Torch Banner; its Buddha is called Ocean of Wordly Virtues. Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in ten buddha-fields, parallel to the world Diamond Banner, is a world called Producing Jewels; its Buddha is Jewel Clouds of Invincible Power. Above this, parallel to the world Endurance, is a world called Raiment Banner; its Buddha is King of the Ocean of Omniscience. At the top of this world system is a world called Jewel Necklace Lion Light; its Buddha is called Lotus Banner of Skillful Transformation and Emanation.

  “Beyond the sea of fragrant water called Diamond Flame Light is another sea of fragrant water, called Banner Brightly Decorated with All Adornments, with a world system called Adorned by Pure Actions. Next to that is a sea of fragrant water called Sea of Radiance of Flowers of All Jewels, with a world system called Adorned by Virtuous Characteristics. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Lotus Blooming, with a world system called Crown Jewels of Enlightening Beings. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Raiment of Exquisite Jewels, with a world system called Pure Pearl Orbs. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Lovely Flowers Illumining Everywhere, with a world system called Radiance of Clouds of a Hundred Lights. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Great Light Pervading Space, with a world system called Jewel Light Shining Everywhere. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Banner Adorned with Beautiful Flowers, with a world system called Gold Moon Eye Necklace. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Fragrant Ocean Treasury of Pearls, with a world system called Buddha Halo. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Jewel Disc Light, with a world system called Light Easily Displaying the Realm of Buddhahood.

  “There are as many such seas of fragrant waters as atoms in an unspeakable number of buddha-fields; the one nearest to the surrounding mountains is called Boundless Discs Adorning the Floor. It has a world system called Distinctions of Innumerable Regions, composed of the sounds of the languages of all countries. At the bottom of the system is a world called Diamond Flower Canopy; the Buddha there is called Universal Sound of Light of Inexhaustible Features. Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in ten buddha-fields, is a world, parallel to the world Diamond Banner, called Banner Producing Precious Raiment; its Buddha is called Great Power of Clouds of Virtue. Above this, parallel to the world Endurance, is a world called Beautiful Array of Implements of Myriad Jewels; its Buddha is Ocean of Supreme Wisdom. At the top of this world system is a world called Banner of Raiment of Sunlight; its Buddha is Lotus Cloud of the Sun of Knowledge.

  “Beyond the Sapphire Array sea of fragrant water is another sea of fragrant water, called Titan Palace, with a world system called Supported by Scented Light. Next to that is a sea of fragrant water called Jewel Lion Array, with a world system called Revealing All the Jewels in All Regions. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Palace Color Light Clouds, with a world system called Beautiful Array of Jewel Globes. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Producing Gigantic Lotuses, with a world system called Beautiful Ornaments Lighting Up the Universe. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Wonderful Eye of Lamp Flames, with a world system called Overseeing All Transformations in the Ten Directions. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Sphere of Inconceivable Adornments, with a world system called Universal Renown of the Light of the Ten Directions. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Jewel Heap Adornment, with a world system called Lamp Light Radiance. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Pure Jewel Light, with a world system called Unobstructed Wind. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Balustrade Draped with Precious Raiment, with a world system called Light of Buddha’s Body.

  “There are as many such seas as atoms in unspeakably many buddha-fields. Closest to the surrounding mountains is a sea of fragrant water called Banner Decorated with Trees, with a world system called Resting Peacefully in the Imperial Net, composed of the sounds of the stages of knowledge of all enlightening beings. At the bottom of this system is a world called Golden; its Buddha is called Supremely Majestic Light of Aromatic Flames. Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in ten buddha-fields, parallel to the world Diamond Banner, is a world called Crystal Tree Flowers; its Buddha is called Unhindered Appearance Anywhere. Above this, parallel to the world Endurance, is a world called Beautiful Adornments of Lapis Lazuli; its Buddha is called Stable Intellect Mastering All Principles. At the top of this world system is a world called Sublime Array of Pure Sounds; the Buddha is called King of Light of Lotuses Blooming.

  “Beyond the sea of fragrant water Diamond Orb Adorned Floor is another sea of fragrant water, called Realm of Magical Production of Lotus Blossoms, with a world system called Equality and Justice in the Land. Next to that is a sea of fragrant water called Crystal Light, with a world system called No Confusion throughout the Universe. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Sun Crystal of Many Wonderful Scents, with a world system called Appearing in All Quarters. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Eternally Admitting Jewel Rivers, with a world system called Sounds of Buddha’s Speech Carried Out Everywhere. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Boundless Deep Wondrous Sound, with a world system called Boundless Distinctions in Location. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Solid Mass, with a world system called Distinctions in Innumerable Places. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Pure Sound, with a world system called Everywhere Pure Adornments. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Sandalwood Balustrade Treasury of Sound, with a world system called Egregious Banner. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Adornment of Light of Diamonds of Wonderful Fragrance, with a world system called Power of L
ight Appearing Everywhere.

  “Beyond the Lotus Blossom Indra Net sea of fragrant water is another sea of fragrant water, called Beautiful Ornaments of Silver Lotus Flowers, with a world system called Universal Action. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Cloud of Intense Radiance of Lapis Lazuli Bamboo, with a world system called Everywhere Producing the Sounds of All Quarters. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Mass of Light Flames of the Ten Directions, with a world system called Always Producing Metamorphic Displays Distributed Throughout the Ten Directions. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Gold-Producing Crystal Banner, with a world system called Form of Diamond Banners. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Great Equal Adornments, with a world system called Circle of Bravery. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Endless Light of Jewel Flower Groves, with a world system called Boundless Pure Light. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Gold Banner, with a world system called Expounding Mysteries. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Light Beams Shining Everywhere, with a world system called Everywhere Adorned. Next is a sea of fragrant water called Tranquil Sound, with a world system called Appearing Hanging Down.

  “There are as many such seas as atoms in unspeakably many buddha-fields. The one closest to the surrounding mountains is called Intense Flame Cloud Banner; its world system, called Array of All Lights, is composed of the sounds of the beings assembled at the enlightenment sites of all Buddhas. At the bottom of this system is a world called Pure Eye Adornment; its Buddha is called Diamond Moon Illumining the Ten Directions. Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in ten buddha-fields, parallel to the world Diamond Banner, is a world called Qualities of Lotus Blossoms, with a Buddha called Greatly Energetic Well-Aware Mind. Above this, parallel to the world Endurance, is a world called Dense Arrays of Diamonds, with a Buddha called Shala King Banner. Above this, past as many worlds as atoms in seven buddha-fields, is a world called Pure Ocean Adornments, with a Buddha called Incomparable Virtue which None Can Conquer.