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

Sutra of Past Vows of Earth Store Bodhisattva
such things.
“In that situation some people should recite this sutra aloud once
before images of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. They should also
offer possessions which those sick people cherish, such as clothing,
jewels, gardens, or houses. They should speak distinctly to the sick
people saying, “Now before this sutra or these images, we are
offering these items on behalf of these sick people. They may offer
sutras or images, or commission images of Buddhas or Bodhisattvas,
or build stupas or monasteries, or light oil lamps, or give to the
Eternally Dwelling. They should tell the sick people three times about
the offerings that are being made, informing them so they both hear
and understand what is being done.
“If their consciousnesses are already scattered and their breathing
has stopped, then for one, two, three, four, and on through seven
days, others should continue to inform them clearly and to read this
Sutra aloud. When those people’s lives end, they will gain liberation
from all heavy and disastrous offenses they committed previous lives,
even offenses warranting fivefold Uninterrupted retribution. They will
be born in places where they will always know past lives. How much
greater will the karmic reward be if good men or good women can
write out this Sutra themselves or commission others to do so. If they
can carve or paint images themselves or commission others to do so!
The benefits they receive will be great indeed!
“Therefore, Universally Expansive, if you see people reading and
reciting this Sutra or even having a single thought of praise for it, or if
you meet someone who reveres it, you should employ hundreds of
thousands of expedients to exhort such people to be diligent and not
retreat. In both the present and the future they will be able to obtain
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