sutra of the past vows of earth store bodhisattva - Dharma Realm ...

Sutra of Past Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva
inexpressible, inconceivable, immeasurable, ineffable, limitless
asamkhyeyas of worlds, and said, “I teach and transform obstinate
beings such as these within the evil worlds of the five turbidities,
causing their minds to be regulated and subdued so they renounce
the deviant and return to the proper. But one or two of ten still cling to
their bad habits. For them I again divide into billions of bodies and use
numerous additional expedient devices. Those with keen roots will
listen and immediately believe. Those with good rewards will respond
to exhortation and strive to succeed Those who are dark and dull will
return only after being taught for a long time. Those whose karma is
heavy fail to show any respect. My division bodies take across and
liberate all those different kinds of beings. I may appear in a male
body. I may appear in a female body. I may appear in the body of a
god or dragon. I may appear in the body of a spirit or ghost. I may
appear as a mountain, as a forest, as a stream, as a spring, as a
river, as a lake, as a fountain, or as a well in order to benefit people. I
use all these ways to save beings. I may appear in the body of God
Shakra. I may appear in the body of Lord Brahma. I may appear in the
body of a Wheel-Turning King. I may appear in the body of a lay
person. I may appear in the body of a national leader. I may appear in
the body of a prime minister. I may appear in the body of an official. I
may appear in the body of a Bhikshu, a Bhikshuni, an Upasaka, an
Upasika, and so forth to my appearing in the body of a Sound-Hearer,
an Arhat, a Pratyekabuddha, or a Bodhisattva in order to teach and
rescue beings. It is not that I only appear to them in the body of a
Buddha .
“Reflect on how I have toiled for repeated eons and endured acute
suffering to take across and free stubborn beings who resist being
taught and continue to suffer for their offenses. Those not yet
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