The Great Cloud (2)

[F.250.b]

Homage to all buddhas and bodhisattvas.

Thus did I hear at one time. The Bhagavān was at the home of the nāga kings Nanda and Upananda, a lavish palace made of jewels and gems within a great multitude of clouds,5 together with a great assembly of bhikṣus, a great assembly of bodhisattvas, and a great host of nāga kings.

There were the nāga kings Nanda, Upananda, Sāgara, Anavatapta, Manasvin, Varuṇa, Takṣaka, Dhṛtarāṣṭra, Vāsuki, Mucilinda, Airāvaṇa, Pauṇḍra, Śrītejas, Śrībhadra, Vidyunmālin, Precious Jewel Crest,6 Cūḍāmaṇidhara, Avabhāsanaśikhin, and Indrāyudhaśikhara. There were also the nāga kings Indradhvaja, Indrayaṣṭi, Jambudhvaja, Svastika, Mahāmaṇḍalika, Mahābhujaṃga, Jyotīrasa, Śaśitejas, Noble Intelligence,7 and Somadarśana, and there were the nāga kings Sudarśana, Supratiṣṭhita, Maṇikaṇṭha, Meghasambhava, Varṣadhāra, Prasphoṭaka, Visphoṭaka, Visphūrjita, Mahāphaṇaka, and Gambhīranirghoṣa. There were also the nāga kings Mahānirnādanādin, Vinardita, Utpalaka, Mahāvikrama, [F.251.a] Īṣādhāra, Citrasena, and Mahāpāśa, the nāga king Elāpattra, All Illuminating,8 Kharakarṇa, Śaṅkha, Dardara, the nāga king Upadardara, Kṣemaṃkara,9 Bhujaṃgama, Mahābhujaṃgama, Mahābala,10 Soarer,11 Apalāla, Lambura, Kṛmiśa, and Kṛṣṇa. There were also the nāga kings Indrasena, Naḍa, Upanaḍa, Kambudhāra, Dramiḍa, Sundara, Elephant’s Trunk,12 Tīkṣṇaka, Piṅgala, Vidyujjvāla, Mahāvidyujjvāla, Baladeva, and Kambala.13 There were also the nāga kings Bharukaccha, Amṛta, Tīrthaka, Vaiḍūryaprabha, Suvarṇakeśa,14 Kanakaprabha, Śaśiketuprabha, Sūryaprabha, Udayana, and Gaveśīrṣa.15 There were also the nāga kings Śvetaka, Kālaka, Yama, Śrāmaṇa, Toad,16 Saṃhatana,17 Nimindhara, Dharaṇiṃdhara, Sahasraśīrṣa, and Maṇicūḍa. There were also the nāga kings Amoghadarśana, Balāhaka, Suṣeṇa, Gopāla, Naradatta, Vinīta, Jarāyana, Kumbhīra, Kumbhīramukha, and Viṣaṃdhara. There were also the nāga kings Āśīviṣa, Padmaka, Lāṅgula, Pralamba, Bhīṣaṇa, Sutejas, Pañcaśīrṣa, Ballira, and Victorious Chariot.18 There were also the nāga kings Uttaraka, Dīrghapuccha, Sphāraśīrṣa, Bimbika, Vitara,19 and Aśvaka, the nāga kings Triśīrṣa, Nāgasena, Mahātejas, and Naladatta, and the nāga kings Bhīmaka, Dīptaprabha, Saptaśīrṣa, Bṛhaddruma, Priyadarśana, Mahāpracaṇḍa, Vimalatejas, Sunetra, Mahāghora, and Arciḥskandha. There were also the nāga kings Fierce,20 [F.251.b] Ugrakrodha, Ratnāmbuda, Mahāmeghāmbuda, Indraprabha, Pādapa, Meghacandra, Sāgaramegha, Mahāgandhakusuma, and Kumudākara. There were also the nāga kings Ratnanetra, Mahāketudhvaja, Mahāmeghagarbha, Himavat, Śrīgarbha, Meghaśaktika, Rajaniṃdhara, Ambuda, and Great Water-Giver21 and the nāga kings Vaiśvānaratejas, Megheśvararāja, Vigatakrodha, Earth Vase,22 Nāgaśūra, Jalaṃdhara, Meghacchatra, Aṅgiramukha, Tejasvin, and Meghasphuṭita.23 There were also the nāga kings Anantakrama, Suṣeṇa, Mahāśarīra, Vṛkodara, Śāntin, Vīra, Kākanāda,24 Uddhura, Viṣogra, and Sughoṣa. There were also the nāga kings Amṛtasāra, Mahāpravarṣaka, Completely Quaking,25 Saṃghaṭṭaśabda, Dundubhisvara, Amṛtadhāra, Nandika, Garjasphoṭaka, Śūrasena, Nārāyaṇa, and Vaḍabāmukha, and there was the nāga king Deceiver.26

Those and other great nāga kings,27 altogether eighty-four septillions nāgas, gathered, sat down, and stayed there together. At this point, all those nāga kings, together with their retinues, arose from their seats, draped their robes over one shoulder, knelt with their right knees on the ground, joined their palms, and saluted the Bhagavān. Showing great respect and honor to the teacher, they made offerings to the Bhagavān of various, supremely beautiful flowers, incense, perfumes, garlands, ointments, powders, clothes, parasols, victory banners, banners, silk tassels,28 music,29 cymbals,30 small cymbals, songs, jeweled flowers, jeweled tassels,31 pearl necklaces, nāga flowers, and supremely beautiful pearl-adorned nets. [F.252.a] They then32 circumambulated the Bhagavān and stood to one side.

Having stood to one side, they made a vow together: “With oceans of bodies as numerous as all the atomic particles in all the oceans of world-systems, we make offerings33 to all oceans of buddhas and bodhisattvas with their retinues. Within each and every atomic particle of earth, water, fire, and wind and all the atomic particles of apparent forms within all the infinite oceans of world-systems lie oceans of clouds of bodies that are beyond countless, unfathomable, inconceivable, unparalleled, immeasurable, inexpressible, and more numerous than all numerable oceans. Upon each and every one of these bodies are emanated immeasurable, countless oceans of clouds of hands, from which are emanated oceans of clouds of all manner of offerings, distinct and radiating continuously in all directions. With these, we will make offerings to all buddhas and bodhisattvas.”

Thinking thus, they continued: “We will fill the sky with unfathomable, countless, inconceivable, immeasurable, incalculable, inexpressible, distinct emanations of bodies engaging in the perfect conduct of Samantabhadra, with oceans of clouds of bodhisattva bodies, and likewise with a multitude of oceans of clouds of all manner of jewels, densely arrayed rays of light, and bodies of all suns and moons, together with oceans of clouds of jeweled garlands and flowers; oceans of clouds of great mansions made from the essence of all brilliant jewels; oceans of clouds of storehouses of all manner of powders and trees; oceans of clouds of incenses, perfumes, [F.252.b] and all manner of apparent forms; oceans of clouds of the sounds of instruments resounding with all manner of music; and oceans of clouds of all manner of trees used for incense. We will fill the sky with these emanations, with oceans of cloud of all manner of offerings that are unfathomable, countless, inconceivable, immeasurable, incalculable, inexpressible, and distinct. Having done all this, we will proceed to pay homage to all the oceans of buddhas and bodhisattvas. We will exalt them, honor them, and make offerings to them.

“We will fill the sky with emanations of oceans of clouds of kings of jewels within which all the arrayed realms of existence are illuminated. Having done so, we will pay homage to all the oceans of buddhas and bodhisattvas. We will exalt them, honor them, and make offerings to them.

“We will fill the sky with emanations of oceans of clouds of arrayed kings of jewels that shower down a rain of all-illuminating gemstones; oceans of clouds of kings of jewels blazing with the light of all gemstones, resounding with the melodic sounds of the attainment of buddhahood; oceans of clouds of kings of jewels filling everywhere with the universal resounding of the melodies of all the Dharma teachings of the buddhas; oceans of clouds of emanated buddha bodies illuminated by jeweled light radiating from all directions; oceans of clouds of kings of jewels that display the appearance of all the arrays of distinct retinues; oceans of clouds of kings of jewels whose brilliant lamp-like rays of light enter into all buddha realms; oceans of clouds of kings of jewels that display the appearances of all the immeasurable palaces of the tathāgatas in all the inconceivable buddhafields; and oceans of clouds of kings of jewels that illuminate the display of the bodies of the buddhas of the three times within the atomic particles of all variety of gemstones. With these, we will pay homage to all the oceans of buddhas and bodhisattvas. [F.253.a] We will exalt them, honor them, and make offerings to them.

“We will fill the sky with emanations of oceans of clouds of distinct multistoried palaces of sundry jewels, incense, and flowers; oceans of clouds of multistoried palaces completely adorned with kings of jewels of an infinite variety of colors; oceans of clouds of multistoried palaces with jeweled lamps and radiant incense; oceans of clouds of multistoried palaces thoroughly bedecked with all manner of pearls; oceans of clouds of the anthers of all manner of flowers; and oceans of clouds of multistoried palaces beautifully adorned with infinite jewel garlands. We will then fill the sky with emanations of oceans of clouds of multistoried palaces that completely contain an adornment of all essences whose brilliance illuminates the ten directions; oceans of clouds of multistoried palaces that appear completely ornamented everywhere with adornments of fine particles of all manner of jewels; oceans of clouds of multistoried palaces overflowing with adornments of all manner of decorations; and oceans of clouds of multistoried palaces with flowered arches at each doorway hung with lattices of bells. With these, we will pay homage to all the oceans of buddhas and bodhisattvas. We will exalt them, honor them, and make offerings to them.

“We will fill the sky with emanations of oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing necklaces of gold and various jewels and jeweled chokers; oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing various brilliant flowers; oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing various lotus flowers with the blue34 color of the indranīla jewel and the golden hue of the Jambu River; oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing precious jeweled lotus lamps; oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing brilliantly bejeweled lotus victory banners; oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing various lotus flowers adorned with jewels; [F.253.b] oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing lotus flowers decorated with indranīla jewels and blazing with golden light; oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing lotus flowers endowed with inexhaustibly brilliant blazing light; oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing lotus flowers that produce all manner of blazing jewels; oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing lotus flowers that produce all manner of supremely sublime blazing jewels; and distinct oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing lotus flowers endowed with the light rays of the sound of the Buddha’s speech. With these, we will pay homage to all the oceans of buddhas and bodhisattvas. We will exalt them, honor them, and make offerings to them.

“We will fill the sky with emanations of oceans of clouds of trees festooned with all manner of gemstones; oceans of clouds of incense trees wreathed all over with leaves that emanate clouds of joined palms; oceans of clouds of trees that appear as an infinite array of all forms of trees; oceans of clouds of trees draped with clouds of all manner of flowers; oceans of clouds of trees endowed with infinite troves that produce all manner of adornments; oceans of clouds of trees completely illuminated by multitudes of all radiant jewels; oceans of clouds of trees that manifest busts of bodhisattva bodies made from all manner of sandalwood powders; oceans of clouds of trees endowed with the brilliant solar light of the storehouse of all manner of precious clothing of the infinite tree spirits adorning all seats of awakening with inconceivable brilliant light; and oceans of clouds of trees emitting pleasing tones that resound with all manner of melodies.

“We will fill the sky with emanations of35 oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing infinite jewel-colored lotus flowers; [F.254.a] oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing the brilliant, multifaceted kings of jewels; oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing adornments of all manner of ornamentation; oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing garlands of lamps that radiate the brilliant light of various jewels; oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing the source of a universally resounding rainfall of jewels; oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing precious garlands of all manner of incense, flowers, and lotus flowers; oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing the kings of jewels that completely manifest the adornments of the seats of all buddhas; oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing clouds of jewels and completely adorned with railed arches draped with garlands of all manner of adornments; oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing trees with precious jeweled branches and stores of incense powders; and oceans of clouds of lion thrones containing adornments of nets festooned with various incenses and jeweled bells as bright as the sun. With these, we will pay homage to all the oceans of buddhas and bodhisattvas. We will exalt them, honor them, and make offerings to them.

“We will fill the sky with emanations of oceans of clouds of immeasurable palaces formed from all manner of wish-fulfilling kings of jewels; oceans of clouds of canopies adorned with all manner of flowers with indranīla anthers; oceans of clouds of canopies with all manner of incenses and gemstones; oceans of clouds of canopies formed like lamps radiating jewel light; oceans of clouds of canopies of kings of jewels resounding with melodies appearing from the Buddha’s magical display; oceans of clouds of canopies that display the appearance of being completely adorned with bejeweled cloth; oceans of clouds of canopies of precious jewels that shine with a blazing flood of flowers; [F.254.b] oceans of clouds of canopies of nets of sundry bells that fill everywhere with their sounds; oceans of clouds of canopies of nets of lotus flowers having the essence of gemstones, resplendent with the brightness of infinite variegated blazing lotus flowers; oceans of clouds of canopies of victory banners that shine with the brilliant light rays of golden anthers; and oceans of clouds of canopies bedecked with an inconceivable amount of brilliant, radiant adornments. With these, we will pay homage to all the vast oceans of buddhas and bodhisattvas. We will exalt them, honor them, and make offerings to them.

“We will fill the sky with emanations of oceans of parasols with all manner of various precious jewels; oceans of clouds of parasols of flowers adorned with the ten precious jewels, which radiate brilliant light; oceans of clouds of parasols containing stores of pearls in an infinite variety of colors; oceans of clouds of parasols of the kings of jewels that resound with the teachings on compassion of all the buddhas and bodhisattvas; oceans of clouds of parasols with radiant garlands of various jewels; oceans of clouds of parasols hung with nets of bells completely decorated with brilliant jewel dust; oceans of clouds of parasols adorned with tree branches made from all manner of gemstones; oceans of clouds of parasols with the radiant kings of jewels that shine profusely like the sun and with all manner of incenses and perfumes; oceans of clouds of parasols imbued with stores of sandalwood powder spreading everywhere; and oceans of clouds of parasols imbued with all manner of adornments, filling everywhere and illuminating the vast, great domain of the buddhas. With these, we will pay homage to all the oceans of buddhas and bodhisattvas. We will exalt them, honor them, and make offerings to them.

“We will fill the sky with oceans of clouds of multitudes of the splendor of all jewels; distinct oceans of clouds of multitudes of the light of the forms of all radiant jewels; [F.255.a] oceans of clouds of multitudes of the light that illuminates clouds of flowers; oceans of clouds of light rays of all jewels endowed with multitudes of light emanated by the Buddha; oceans of clouds of multitudes of light that pervades all buddhafields with light; oceans of clouds of multitudes of the light of jeweled branches that resound in the buddha realms in all directions; oceans of clouds of multitudes of the light of the light rays of beryl, precious substances, and all the kings of precious jewels; oceans of clouds of multitudes of light that, in a single instant of thought, fully display the infinite forms of sentient beings; oceans of clouds of multitudes of light endowed with pleasing emitted sounds arisen from the aspirations of all the buddhas; and oceans of clouds of multitudes of the light of the kings of jewels that possess the melodies that tame sentient beings in all assemblies‍—with these, we will pay homage to all the oceans of buddhas and bodhisattvas. We will exalt them, honor them, and make offerings to them.

“We will fill the sky with emanations of oceans of clouds of the light rays of stores of all gemstones; oceans of clouds of light rays of the forms, voices, scents, tastes, and sensations of all the buddhas; oceans of clouds of the radiant light of all precious jewels; oceans of clouds of light rays that fill everywhere with the sounds of the Dharma of all the buddhas; oceans of clouds of light rays that illuminate the entire array of buddhafields; oceans of clouds of the light rays of all multistoried palaces of flowers; oceans of clouds of the light rays of the particles of all jewels; oceans of clouds of light rays possessing the roar of the entire succession of buddhas arising within a single eon, which brings sentient beings to maturation; [F.255.b] displays of inexhaustible jewels; oceans of clouds of light rays of the anthers of all flowers; and distinct oceans of clouds of light rays emitted from the array of all thrones. With these we will pay homage to all the oceans of buddhas and bodhisattvas. We will exalt them, honor them, and make offerings to them.

“We will fill the sky with emanations of distinct oceans of clouds of the infinitely colored radiant light of precious jewels; oceans of clouds of the radiant light of all-illuminating kings of jewels; oceans of clouds of radiant light that illuminates the great, vast array of all buddhafields; oceans of clouds of the radiant light of all manner of incenses; oceans of clouds of the radiant light of all manner of adornments; oceans of clouds of the radiant light of the emanations of all buddhas; oceans of clouds of the radiant light of the anthers of trees of various jewels; and oceans of clouds of the radiant light of all manner of clothes. With these we will pay homage to all the vast oceans of buddhas and bodhisattvas. We will exalt them, honor them, and make offerings to them.

“We will fill the sky with emanations of inconceivable oceans of clouds of the adornments of all manner of various incenses and flowers; oceans of clouds of lotus nets of all manner of radiant jewels; oceans of clouds of stores of pearls endowed with the colors of all manner of jewels; oceans of clouds of powders made from all manner of jewels, incenses, and sandalwoods; oceans of clouds of parasols with all manner of jewels; oceans of clouds possessing pleasing kings of jewels and beautifying melodies; oceans of clouds of garlands with hosts of gemstones possessing the brilliance of the sun; oceans of clouds of infinite stores of jewels; and oceans of clouds of distinct bodies that are perfect in every way. [F.256.a] With these, we will pay homage to all the vast oceans of buddhas and bodhisattvas. We will exalt them, honor them, and make offerings to them.”

With such words, they made this aspiration. At this point, all the nāga kings circumambulated the Bhagavān three times and prostrated, touching his feet. With the Bhagavān’s permission, they each took their seats.

At that time, possessing the strength of irreversible aspiration, the great lord of the nāgas in the trichiliocosm called Ananta­parikara­sāgara­megha­vyūha­tejo­maṇḍala­chartākāra­rāja came to this Jambudvīpa continent in order to listen to the Dharma and make offerings, pay homage, and venerate the Tathāgata. Then, the nāga lord36 Ananta­parikara­sāgara­megha­vyūha­tejo­maṇḍala­chartākāra­rāja arose from his seat, draped his robe over one shoulder, touched his right knee to the ground with joined palms, and addressed the Bhagavān, asking, “If the Bhagavān might find time to grant an explanation in response to my inquiry, I would ask a question of the bhagavān, tathāgata, arhat, complete and perfect Buddha.”

The Bhagavān replied to Ananta­parikara­sāgara­megha­vyūha­tejo­maṇḍala­chartākāra­rāja, “Nāga lord, ask whatever you wish, and I will give you an explanation that will delight your mind.”

The nāga lord37 Ananta­parikara­sāgara­megha­vyūha­tejo­maṇḍala­chartākāra­rāja asked the Bhagavān, “Bhagavān, how can all the suffering specific to nāgas be eliminated? [F.256.b] How can they become happy and joyful? How can abundant rains be sent here to the continent of Jambudvīpa, time after time?38 How can all manner of grasses, trees, medicinal herbs, and forests to come to arise? How can all grains come to grow? How can all beings to come grow? How can all people here in the continent of Jambudvīpa attain happiness?”

The Bhagavān replied to the nāga lord39 Ananta­parikara­sāgara­megha­vyūha­tejo­maṇḍala­chartākāra­rāja, “Nāga lord, excellent. It is excellent that you have thought to ask this question of the Tathāgata, in order to benefit all sentient beings and establish them in happiness. Nāga lord, I will explain this to you‍—listen well and bear my words in mind. Nāga lord, if you possess this unique Dharma teaching, all the suffering specific to nāgas of all the nāgas will be eliminated, and they will become joyful. What is that unique Dharma teaching? It is loving-kindness. Nāga lord, gods and humans who abide in that loving-kindness will not be harmed by fire. They will not be harmed by weapons. They will not be swept away by water. They will not be harmed by poison. They will not be overcome by enemy troops. They will sleep happily and wake happily. They will always be protected by their own merit and become brilliant with the splendor of great merit. They will be unconquerable by the world with its gods. They will become beautiful and pleasing to behold. They will be unobstructed on all paths. They will cut off all suffering and become utterly joyful. Having gained all manner of happiness and realized the most unexcelled Dharma among humans, they will take birth in the Brahmā world after their body passes away.

“Nāga lord, these are the benefits for gods and humans who abide in loving-kindness. Therefore, Nāga lord, you should abide with your body, speech, and mind engaged in actions of loving-kindness. [F.257.a] Nāga lord, moreover, you should proclaim the dhāraṇī known as bestowing all happiness. This dhāraṇī will eliminate all the suffering specific to nāgas of all the nāgas, bestow all happiness, send abundant rains again and again here to the continent of Jambudvīpa, and cause all grasses, trees, medicinal herbs, forests, and crops to grow. Nāga lord, how does the dhāraṇī called bestowing all happiness go?

“Nāga lord, the words of this dhāraṇī can accomplish all purposes. They involve the Dharma body. They are blessed by all the buddhas. They bestow all manner of happiness. You should uphold and proclaim them.41 Nāga lord, furthermore, you should uphold and bear in mind the names of the tathāgatas who manifest emanations with the brilliant essence of all the blessings arisen from the family of clouds, who possess a glorious multitude of water-holding clouds of banners of gnosis,42 and whose lineage and family arise from a single portion of the tip of a hair of golden Vairocana. These names will eliminate all the suffering of the nāgas and fulfill all the provisions of happiness for all nāgas, all nāga families, all nāga lineages, all nāga paternal lines,43 all nāga origins, all nāga birthplaces, all nāga kings, all nāga daughters, and all nāga servants. What are these names? They are as follows:

“Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Vairocana­garbha­mahā­megha. [F.257.b] Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Nāga­kulodbhava­megha­virājita. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Water-Holding Cloud. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Splendor of Glorious Clouds. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cloud Arising. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Cloud That Vanquishes All Arrays of Wind. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Unfathomable Space. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cloud’s Host of Blazing Lightning. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Powerful Great Cloud Hero. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Beautiful Cloud. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Thick Cloud. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Multitude of Clouds. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Cloud Light.

“Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cloud Lion. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cloud Parasol. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Pleasant Appearance Great Cloud. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Filled with Great Clouds. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Resounding of the Drum Tones Pervading All Ten Directions of the Brilliant Maṇḍala Arisen from Clouds. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cooling Cloud’s Deep Roar That Vanquishes Unhappiness. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Expansive Great Cloud. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Ganges Water Cloud. [F.258.a] Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Powerful Cloud-Like Hero. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Dragon’s Roar Resounding. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Display of All Clouds. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cloud Expanse.

“Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Dripping Cloud. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Cloud-Like Resounding. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Cloud-Like Exaltation. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Wearing Cloud-Like Garments. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Cloud-Born Harvest. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Abiding in the Cloud Abode. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Rain Cloud. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Cloud Gatherer. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Abundant Clouds. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cloud Utpala. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cloud Incense Body. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cloud Exaltation. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cloud Lord. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cloud Illuminator. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cloud Bestowal. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Like a Cloud of Great Precious Jewels. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Cloud-Like Victory.

“Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Cloud River. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Collected Clouds. [F.258.b] Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Vanquishing Untimely Clouds and Lightning. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cloud-Like Vision Appearing and Resounding in Space. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cloud Emitting Sound. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cloud Producing Rainfall. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Cloud Fulfilling Equanimity’s Splendor. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Cloud’s Great Water Endowed with Six Flavors. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Cloud Spray. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Great Clouds Filling the Ocean. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Complete Cloud Coverage in Times of Drought. Homage to the bhagavān tathāgata Infinite Cloud Forms. Homage to all the bhagavān, tathāgata, foe-destroyer, complete and perfect buddhas of the great cloud, who possess the brilliance of the cloud that illuminates all the clouds in the continent of Jambudvīpa with glorious, splendid radiance.

“Nāga lord, by proclaiming the names of these tathāgatas, you can eliminate all the suffering specific to nāgas of all the nāgas, bestow happiness, send abundant rains again and again here to continent of Jambudvīpa, and cause all grasses, trees, medicinal herbs, forests, and crops to grow.”

Then Ananta­parikara­sāgara­megha­vyūha­tejo­maṇḍala­chartākāra­rāja, lord of the all the nāgas in the trichiliocosm, addressed the Bhagavān, asking, “Bhagavān, in future times and future seasons when rain is not falling here in the continent of Jambudvīpa, what words can be spoken so that a great rain can be made to fall? I beg you to pronounce the words of such a secret-mantra dhāraṇī44 that can utterly pacify all plague, hostility, and harm when one is terrified, [F.259.a] when harm arises, when one is drawn into conflict with lawless people, when plague and harm arise, when one is sick or dying, and when the constellations are in inauspicious abodes. I beg you to bless us with the blessings of the Buddha.

“I beg the Bhagavān, with your supreme compassion and concern for the welfare of all sentient beings, to pronounce the words of such a secret-mantra dhāraṇī45 that can exhort all the nāgas, bring joy to all the gods, vanquish all māras,46 destroy all sentient beings’ fears, turn back all harm,47 produce peace and auspiciousness, pacify the effects of all inauspicious constellations, clear away all five obstacles to rainfall spoken by the Bhagavān, and cause excellent rain to fall here in the continent of Jambudvīpa. Bhagavān, this I beg of you.”

The Bhagavān replied to Ananta­parikara­sāgara­megha­vyūha­tejo­maṇḍala­chartākāra­rāja, “Nāga lord, it is excellent, excellent, that you have asked this question of the Tathāgata for the sake of all sentient beings’ welfare, benefit, and happiness. Nāga lord, in that case, you should listen well and bear my words in mind. There is a dhāraṇī called the crest of heroic majesty endowed with the great roar of thunder that arises from great compassion. For the sake of all sentient beings’ welfare, benefit, and happiness, all the buddhas spoke this dhāraṇī, blessed it, [F.259.b] rejoiced in it, and explained it. When there is no rain, it can cause a great rainfall. When there is great rain, it can cause it to stop. It can completely pacify all fatal harm, exhort all the nāgas, please all the gods, vanquish all māras, and bring all manner of happiness to all sentient beings: