Atisha’s Lamp

At the advice of the sage Jayosmayatana, youthful Sudhana, the merchant’s son, went to request instructions from King Anala on the bodhisattva deeds. The king happened to be carrying out his judicial duties and was seated upon a huge throne ornamented by precious stones.

Ten thousand ministers and executioners who were as terrifying as hell guardians were meting out punishments such as gouging out eyes and cutting off arms and legs. Upon witnessing that, Sudhana thought, ‘This King Anala is devoid of spiritual virtue; he creates nothing but misdeeds. How can he have the instructions on the bodhisattva deeds?’

When he gave rise to that doubt, the gods in the sky spoke, ‘Do you not remember the instructions of the sage Jayosmayatana?’ Sudhana then circumambulated the king three times and the king led him into the palace.

The king explained, ‘I have attained the bodhisattva’s play of illusory liberation. Since most of the people residing in my country engage in various nonvirtues, by displaying emanated executioners who kill emanated victims, these residents will come to fear misdeeds and feel remorse.’

—The Stem Array

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120 viewsJul 27, 2024 at 11:00

At the advice of the sage Jayosmayatana, youthful Sudhana, the merchant’s son, went to request instructions from King Anala on the bodhisattva deeds. The king happened to be carrying out his judicial duties and was seated upon a huge throne ornamented by precious stones.

Ten thousand ministers and executioners who were as terrifying as hell guardians were meting out punishments such as gouging out eyes and cutting off arms and legs. Upon witnessing that, Sudhana thought, ‘This King Anala is devoid of spiritual virtue; he creates nothing but misdeeds. How can he have the instructions on the bodhisattva deeds?’

When he gave rise to that doubt, the gods in the sky spoke, ‘Do you not remember the instructions of the sage Jayosmayatana?’ Sudhana then circumambulated the king three times and the king led him into the palace.

The king explained, ‘I have attained the bodhisattva’s play of illusory liberation. Since most of the people residing in my country engage in various nonvirtues, by displaying emanated executioners who kill emanated victims, these residents will come to fear misdeeds and feel remorse.’

—The Stem Array

BY Atisha’s Lamp