169
II. Ucchusma Lectures on the Dharani of Great
Satisfaction and Wonderful Magic
North India, Tripitaka master Ajitasena
(the Invincible General) translated from
Sanskrit to Chinese. Thich-Vien-Duc
translated to Vietnamese.
As I have heard, one time in Kusinagara, the country of
the Mallas, (one of the sixteen major tribes in central India) close
to Ajitavati River, and in Salavana forest, there were countless
thousands of beings, the eight fold divisions of heavenly Dragon,
human and non-human beings standing in four corners and
around Buddha who was about to enter Nirvana. They were
deeply sorrowful and cried sadly. There were Devas and people
in great numbers. Among them was Sakra-Devanam-Indra who
came to make offerings to Buddha. Everybody was there except
Brahma Li Ji` (the Conch-Shaped Topknot Brahma King). He
was entertaining himself with celestial maidens in the nearby
town. Though he knew that Buddha was going to Nirvana, he
chose not to come over. The multitude was saying: “Today,
Buddha is going to nirvana, why does the Brahma King not come
over? Maybe he is too arrogant. We should order the little Rsi
(Immortal) to bring him here. Many Rsi went to the Brahma's
place, but they saw the castle wall that was built with filthy
materials, and its spells caused them to die. The multitude was
surprised as never before and they urged other Diamond Gods to
go there. The Diamond Gods recited the Dharani on their way to
the Brahma's place. However after seven days no one could reach
the Brahma's place. Seeing what happened, the multitude was
filled with more sadness and they unanimously said: