THE SUTRA OF COMPLETE ENLIGHTENMENT
Translated from the Chinese of Buddhatrata by Ven. Guo-go Bhikshu.
http://www.tranlich.com/phathoc/kinhviengiac.htm
Virtuous man, whether during the time of the
Buddhas stay in the world, after his nirvana, or
in the declining period of the Dharma, sentient
beings with Mahayana nature who have faith in
the Buddhas mysterious mind of great
Complete Enlightenment
and who wish to cultivate themselves should, if
they live in a monastic community with other
practitioners and are occupied by various
involvements, examine themselves and engage
in contemplation as much as circumstances
permit in accordance with what I have already
taught.
If they are not occupied by various
involvements, they should set up a place for for
practice and fix a time limit: 12O days for a
long period, 1OO for a medium period, and 80
for a short period.
Then they should dwell peacefully in this pure
place. If the Buddha is present, they should
hold correct contemplation of him. If the
Buddha has entered nirvana, they should install
his image, generate right mindfulness, and
gaze at him as if he were still living in the
world.
They should adorn the sanctuary with banners
and make offerings of flowers and within the
first twenty-one days make obeisance to the
Buddhas in all ten directions with utmost
sincere repentance.
Thus they will experience auspicious signs and
obtain lightness and ease of the mind. After
these twenty-one days, their minds should be
well collected.
If the retreat period overlaps with the
three-month summer retreat of sravakas, they
should adhere to and abide with the retreat of
a pure bodhisattva, instead.
Their minds should
stay away from the ways of sravakas, and they
do not have to be involved with the community
at large.
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