Stanzas of eternity

Put the Stanzas of Eternity (from 16th chaper of the Lotus Sutra.) Into the mouths of the Buddha, Jesus and even yourself. There are no discrepancies, vanities or doubts that cannot be replaced by this Lifespan chapter.





The above translation is called the BDK translation

Here is the Kern translation

  1. An inconceivable number of thousands of koṭis of Æons, never to be measured, is it since I reached superior (or first) enlightenment and never ceased to teach the law.

  2. I roused many Bodhisattvas and established them in Buddha-knowledge. I brought myriads of koṭis of beings, endless, to full ripeness in many koṭis of Æons.

  3. I show the place of extinction, I reveal to (all) beings a device to educate them, albeit I do not become extinct at the time, and in this very place continue preaching the law.

  4. There I rule myself as well as all beings. But men of perverted minds, in their delusion, do not see me standing there.

  5. In the opinion that my body is completely extinct, they pay worship, in many ways, to the relics, but me they see not. They feel (however) a certain aspiration by which their mind becomes right.

  6. When such upright (or pious), mild, and gentle creatures leave off their bodies, then I assemble the crowd of disciples and show myself here on the Gṛdhrakūṭa.

  7. And then I speak thus to them, in this very place: I was not completely extinct at that time; it was but a device of mine, monks; repeatedly am I born in the world of the living.

  8. Honored by other beings, I show them my superior enlightenment, but you would not obey my word, unless the Lord of the world enter Nirvāṇa.

  9. I see how the creatures are afflicted, but I do not show them my proper being. Let them first have an aspiration to see me; then I will reveal to them the true law.

  10. Such has always been my firm resolve during an inconceivable number of thousands of koṭis of Æons, and I have not left this Gṛdhrakūṭa for other abodes.

  11. And when creatures behold this world and imagine that it is burning, even then my Buddha field is teeming with gods and men.

  12. They dispose of manifold amusements, koṭis of pleasure gardens, palaces, and aerial cars; (this field) is embellished by hills of gems and by trees abounding with blossoms and fruits.

  13. And aloft gods are striking musical instruments and pouring a rain of Mandāras by which they are covering me, the disciples and other sages who are striving after enlightenment.

  14. So is my field here, everlastingly; but others fancy that it is burning; in their view this world is most terrific, wretched, replete with number of woes.

  15. Ay, many koṭis of years they may pass without ever having mentioned my name, the law, or my congregation. That is the fruit of sinful deeds.

  16. But when mild and gentle beings are born in this world of men, they immediately see me revealing the law, owing to their good works.

  17. I never speak to them of the infinitude of my action. Therefore, I am, properly, existing since long, and yet declare: The Jinas are rare (or precious).

  18. Such is the glorious power of my wisdom that knows no limit, and the duration of my life is as long as an endless period; I have acquired it after previously following a due course.

  19. Feel no doubt concerning it, O sages, and leave off all uncertainty: the word I here pronounce is really true; my word is never false.

  20. For even as that physician skilled in devices, for the sake of his sons whose notions were perverted, said that he had died although he was still alive, and even as no sensible man would charge that physician with falsehood;

  21. So am I the father of the world, the Self-born, the Healer, the Protector of all creatures. Knowing them to be perverted, infatuated, and ignorant I teach final rest, myself not being at rest.

  22. What reason should I have to continually manifest myself? When men become unbelieving, unwise, ignorant, careless, fond of sensual pleasures, and from thoughtlessness run into misfortune,

  23. Then I, who know the course of the world, declare: I am so and so, (and consider): How can I incline them to enlightenment? how can they become partakers of the Buddha-laws?

TThe translation from the Three-Fold Lotus Sutra: