金币总公司授权:【佛说长寿灭罪护诸童子陀罗尼经】

【佛说长寿灭罪护诸童子陀罗尼经】是佛陀留给末法时代众生的一部殊胜佛经，为了避免末法时代人们遭受最重、最多的堕胎杀业，佛陀在2500多年前就慈悲地在他那个年代提前开示了堕胎的种种罪过，为末法时代的菩萨如何救护诸童子、胎儿，如何得到长寿灭罪的种种功德，为那些造重杀业的无知父母提供了一盏从地狱走向光明解脱道的指路明灯。

The Dharani Sutra Of The Buddha On Longevity.
The Extinction of Offences And The Protection Of Young Children.

[英文翻 ：章玲居士]

Thus I, Ananda, have heard, at one time, The Buddha was at Mount Grdhrakuta, at the City of Royal Palace, together with a thousand two hundred and fifty disciples, who accompanied Him wherever He went.

There were also twelve thousand Bodhisattva Mahasattva, the eight fold divisions of Gods and dragons, ghosts and spirits, humans and non-humans, who came together from different directions to listen to The Buddha Dharma.

At that time, before expounding the Dharma, The Buddha with His Spiritual Power, emitted different colourful lights such as green lights, yellow lights, red lights, white lights and other lights which shone forth from His face. In every ray of the colourful lights, there appeared uncountable Transformation Buddhas.

Every Transformation Buddha was able to carry out inconceivable tasks of the Buddha and transform uncountable and limitless Transformation Bodhisattvas. Everyone of the Transformation Bodhisattva again praised and sang about the merits and virtues of The Buddha.

The lights which were emitted by The Buddha were subtly wonderful and immeasurable. They shone forth pervasively up to the Heavenly Dwelling of Neither Thought Nor Non Thought and down to the Avici Hell.

Those living beings who had encountered the illumination of the Buddha’s Lights would naturally be mindful of the Buddha. Hence they were able to obtain skills-in-means in Zen concentration and attain the fruition position of the First Ground.

At that time, in the assembly there were forty-nine Bodhisattvas who had just brought forth the Bodhi Resolve. They also wished to enquire The Buddha on ways and means to obtain longevity but they did not know how to do so.

At the same time, Manjushri Bodhisattva knew about their wish and so he stood up from His seat, revealed His right shoulder, put His palms together respectfully before The Buddha. On behalf of The forty-nine Bodhisattvas, He asked The Buddha:

“World-Honoured One, I know there are people in this Dharma Assembly who harbour doubts but do not know how to ask about them. So I wish to ask on their behalf and may The World Honoured One grant your permission.” The Buddha said, “Good indeed! Good indeed!Manjushri Bodhisattva. Please do not hesitate but ask on their behalf in order to clear their doubts!”

Manjushri Bodhisattva said, “World Honoured One, all the living beings who are within the sea of birth and death create all kinds of evil karma. From the kalpas of no beginning until now, they revolve constantly on the wheels of six paths without any respite. At times even if they may obtain the human bodies but the retribution of their lifespan is very short.

In what ways can all these living beings obtain longevity and put an end to all evil karma? May The World Honoured One teach them the Dharma on ways to attain longevity and means to extinct all their offences.”

The Buddha answered, “Manjushri! Your kindness and compassion is great and immeasurable. Out of the pity for all sinful beings, you enquire on their behalf the Dharma for longevity and the ways to put an end to all offences. But if I were to talk about them in details, I am afraid that most sentient beings would be unable to believe, accept, practise and uphold this Dharma.”

Again Manjushri Bodhisattva pleaded with The Buddha for His compassion, “World Honoured One! You are endowed with Great Wisdom. You are the Leader and Teacher of the gods and people, the compassionate father for all living beings. You are the Great Dharma King who is able to pronounce all wonderful Dharma with one sound. May the World Honoured One have pity on all living beings and bless them widely with this Dharma!”

Then The Buddha smiled and said to the great assembly, ”Please listen wholeheartedly and carefully. Now I will expound widely to you The Dharma……..”

“In the past, there was a world known as The Pure Land with No-Filth. In that Pure Land, a Buddha by the Name The Thus Come One of Pervasive Lights and Proper Views came into the world.”

He was also known as TheOne who is worthy of offering, or The Equal and Proper EnlightenedOne, or TheOne who is perfect in wisdow (wisdom) and practice, or The One who is skilful in leaving the world through liberation, or The One who understands the world, or The Unsurpassed Teacher, or The Taming Hero, or The Teacher of Gods and people, or The Buddha, or The World Honoured One. The Buddha was surrounded respectfully by uncountable and limitless Great Assemblies of Bodhisattvas.

When The Buddha was in the world, there was a Lay woman by the name Confusion. She was practising the Buddha Dharma in her home life. She begged The Buddha to allow her to leave the home’s life. Sorrowfully she cried to The Buddha, “World Honoured One, I have created deep and evil karma. I am regretful of my evil conduct and seek to repent my offences. I hope to reform in order to lead a life of goodness. I only hope The World Honoured One will bestow kindness upon me and listen to the details!”

“My circumstance is such that my family’s condition does not allow me to bear any child. That is why I used medicine to murder the foetus which was fully eight months old. The foetus that I aborted was fully grown with four healthy limbs and
was complete with a human form.”

“Later I met with a wise man who told me, ‘People who have purposely aborted the foetus will be infected with serious illnesses in the present lifespan and receive the retribution of a short lifespan with very little blessing. After they have passed away, they will fall into the Avici Hell to experience terribly acute sufferings.’ ”

“After listen to that, I was very frightened and I deeply regret what I have done. I only hope that the World Honoured One, with your strength of great kindness and compassion, will save me from falling into the deep pit. Please tell me the ways of liberation. Do allow me to leave the home life so as not to undergo such acute sufferings.”

The Thus Come One of Pervasive Lights and Proper Views said to Confusion, “There are five kinds of Evil Karma which are difficult to extinguish even if one were to repent on them. What are the five kinds of offences? The first one is killing the father, the second one is killing the mother, the third one is abortion, the fourth one is to injure The Buddha, the fifth one is to create disharmony among the Sangha assemblies. These five types of evil and sinful karma are difficult to be
extinguished.”

After listening to that, the woman Confusion wept sorrowfully with tears like falling rain. Sadly she made obeisance to The Buddha. Then she fell down before The Buddha and again she begged, “The World Honoured One is of great kindness and compassion, who is able to save all beings. I beg the World Honoured One will have pity on me and tell me the way to liberation.”

The Thus Come One of Pervasive Lights and Proper Views told her, “You are supposed to fall down into The Avici Hell because of your evil karma and experience the acute suffering without any respite. In the Hell of Heat, the offenders will encounter the severely cold wind and be tortured by the sudden chill. In the feverish cold Hell, the offenders will experience sudden heat wave which is brought about by the hot wind.”

“In the Un-interrupted Hell, there is no alternating sufferings of sudden coldness or sudden heat as experienced here. But there is a great burning fire which plunges from the top to the bottom of the hell. The fire will again shoot up from the bottom to the top. The four walls are made of iron and covered with iron nettings. The four gates on the East, West, South and North are also filled with great burning fire of karma.”

“The length of the offender in the Uninterrupted Hell is eight million Yojanas. Even thought he is alone, his body still covers the whole hell fully. If there are more people, each of their bodies also pervasively fills up the whole hell.”

“The body of the offender is covered with great iron snakes. The suffering thus experienced by him is more severe than the great burning fire. Some of the iron snakes may enter his mouth and then come out from his eyes and ears.”

“Or there are iron snakes which encircle his body fully. Great fire often bursts out from the limbs and joints of the offender. There are also the iron crows that peck and eat his flesh.”

“There are also copper dogs which bite and chew his body. The hellish guards with bulls’ heads hold the weapons and roar like thunder. With a harsh voice full of anger, they scolded……..”

“ ‘You have purposely murdered the foetus, so you have to undergo this great torture from one kalpa to another kalpa without any respite!’ If I were to lie to you about such torturing retribution, then I am not known as The Buddha.”

“When the woman Confusion heard the teaching of The Buddha, she was so sorrowful that she fainted and fell on the floor. After sometimes she gradually recovered and again she asked, “World Honoured One! Is it the case that I alone will experience such torment? Or is this suffering will be experienced by all those women who have purposely aborted the foetus?”

“The Thus Come One Pervasive Light told the woman Confusion. ‘Your foetus is fully grown like a human being. And its dwelling in the womb resembles that of a hell. It also resembles that of a great rock which oppresses one’s body. If the mother has partaken the hot food, the foetus will feel as though it is dwelling in the Heated Hell. If the mother has taken the cold food, the foetus will feel as though it is dwelling in the icy cold and chilling Hell. It is tormented by acute suffering the whole day.”

“You are emotionally unstable because of the fire of delusion which gives rise to evil thoughts. That is why you have purposely taken the poison to abort the foetus.”

“You have created such evil karma, so it is naturally for you to fall into The Avici Hell. The offenders in the Uninterrupted Hells are your partners.“

After hearing that, the woman Confusion cried sorrowfully. Again she said to The Buddha, “Once I heard a wise man said, ‘If we are able to encounter The Buddha or the pure Sangha members, whatever evil offences that we have created will be extinguished if we seek to repent and reform sincerely.’ ”

“Even when such a man has already passed away and entered the hells, but if the relatives who are still alive are able to cultivate goodness and small blessing on his behalf, the dead one will be able to get a rebirth in the heavens!’ Is there really such happening? I beg The World Honoured One will explain to me!”

The Thus Come One Pervasive Lights and Proper Views told the woman Confusion, “It is true. If there is a living being who has committed all kinds of offences but is able to encounter The Buddha and the members of the pure Sangha assembly, to repent sincerely and never to commit any more offences, then his sinful karma will be extinguished.”

“Even if he has passed away, but his family and relatives are able to pay respect and make obeisance to The Buddha,Dharma and Sangha. Within the seven days, they are able to read and chant on behalf of him the Sutra of Great Vehicle,to make offerings to the Triple Jewels with fragrant incense and flowers.”

“The messenger from the Dark Realm will carry the Spiritual Banner of five colors and go to the hall of The King Yama.There are troops of ghosts who stand around the front and back of the Banner. They sing and praise the dead man. With a gently and subtly wonderful voice they report to the King Yama, “The dead man has accumulated lots o merits!”

“When the King Yama sees the arrival of the Banner of five colors, he is greatly happy and says aloud. ‘May my body which is full of offences be like him in order to accumulate all merits.’ ”

“Immediately, the hells are transformed into pure streams. The hills of knives and the trees of swords are transformed into lotuses. All the offenders feel refreshed and blissful.”

“If there is another dead man who does not have faith in the Buddha Dharma, who does not read and chant the Sutra of Great Vehicle, whose mind is lack of filial piety, respectfulness, kindness and compassion, but believe in deviant path and evil views. Within the seven days, there is no next of kin who is alive to perform goodness and blessings on his behalf.”

“Then the messenger from the dark realm will hold the Black Banner, together with innumerable evil ghosts who make the following report to The King Yama, ‘The dead one has accumulated lots of evil deeds.’ “

When The King of Yama sees the Black Banner, he gets angry immediately. All the halls and houses vibrate under his thunder-like harsh voice. The offender is immediately sent down to the eighteen layers of hells.”

“The offender is forced to climb the trees of swords and hills of knives. Or he is forced to lie on the iron bed, to embrace the bronze pillar, or his tongue is being pulled out and ploughed by a bull. Or his body is being beaten by stony rod, his bones and flesh are grind to powder by a stone grinder.”

“In a single day there are millions times of birth and death. And then the offender will repeatedly fall into the Avici Hell, to experience acute suffering from one kalpa to another without respite.”

Before the Thus Come One Pervasive Lights and Proper Views had finished His teaching, suddenly there arose from the empty space a great thunder roar of harsh and evil voice which called out to the woman Confusion, “You have purposely murdered the foetus. You should receive the retribution of a short life, I am the messenger of the ghostly troop. Here I am to catch you to settle the case.”

The woman Confusion was frightened and lost. She caught hold of the feet of The Thus Come One and wept. She begged, “May The World Honoured One widely propound the Great Dharma Store of The Buddhas for me, and the way to extinguish all sinful offences. Only then will I die in peace!”

At that time, The Thus Come One Pervasive Lights and Proper Views with the awesome spiritual strength of The Buddha told the ghost messenger, “The ghastly ghost of impermanence, I am now going to teach the woman Confusion on the Sutra of Longevity and the extinction of offences. Please wait for a while. Naturally there will be a change in circumstances.”

“You also should pay attention and listen carefully. I will also tell you the Secret Dharma Door which was taught by The Buddhas in the past, The Sutra of the extinction of offences and the prolongation of lifespan in order to help you all to stay away from the evil paths.”

The Buddha said, “Confusion, you should know that the ghastly ghost of impermanence does not give any special favour to people. Even if you use innumerable amount of gold, silver, lapis lazuli, beryl, red pearls, carnelian and other jewellery to bribe him in exchange of your life, it will still be in vain.”

“Even people who are at honourable position such as The King, the princes, great officers, respectable elders and others, who, with their awesome spiritual strength, will still be unable to escape the ghastly ghost of impermanence who comes to claim their lives.”

“Confusion, you should know that only the word ‘Buddha” is able to sever the suffering of death. Confusion, there are two types of people who are very rare to be found. They are like the Udumbara Flowers which rarely bloom.”

“The first type refers to those people who never practise any evil dharma nor commit any karmic offences. The second type refers to those who are able to repent, and reform when they realise their offences.”

“People like these are rare and the most precious. As you are able to repent sincerely before me, I will of course teach you The Sutra of Longevity and The Extinction of Offences, in order to free you from the suffering of being chased and caught by the evil ghost of impermanence.”

“Confusion, let me tell you. In the future World of Five Turbidities, if there are people who kill the father, harm the mother, who purposely abort the foetus, who destroy The Buddha’s Pagoda and Temple…”

“Who shed The Buddha’s blood, who create disharmony among The Sangha and others, they have created the five unwholesome deep offences and will surely fall into the Un-interrupted Hell to suffer the acute torments.”

“If these beings who have committed the five unwholesome offences are able to accept, upload this Sutra of Longevity and The Extinction of Offences, to write it down, read and memorize it or copy it down by themselves, or ask other to copy the Sutra, they will be able to put an end to their offences and be born in the Brahman Heaven to enjoy the heavenly blessing.”

“Isn’t that a better chance for you to extinguish your evil karma as you are able to meet me personally presently? Luckily you have already cultivated lots of good roots in innumerable long kalpas ago. In addition you are eloquent in asking question besides repenting and reforming sincerely.”

“So, not long from now, you will be able to turn the Unsurpassed Dharma Wheel and cross over limitless great seas of birth and death. You will be able to fight against the Heavenly Demon Bo-Xun and destroy the Banner of Victory which was erected by him. You should listen wholeheartedly. I will teach you once the Twelve Conditioned Links of Causation which was taught by The Buddhas in the past.”

“All the living beings are originally pure. But because of the arising of a single false thought out of delusion in the past, it leads to the creation of activities. Because of activities, there create karmic forces and hence lead to the arising of consciousness to enter the womb. The consciousness that enters the womb will lead to the formation of a foetus presently. When there is a foetus, it is then complete with the six roots such as eyes, ears, nose, tongue, body and mind.”

“After leaving the womb, the six roots will experience the six senses of touch. The six senses of touch will give rise to six kinds of feelings. When there is feeling, love will arise. When there is love, the feeling of attachment will arise. Once there isattachment, a man will try to fight to passess (possess). When there is fighting for possession, it will give rise to future karmic causes.”

“When there are the future karmic causes, a man will experience birth in future. When there is birth, it will naturally lead to the process of old age and death, and also all the worries, sorrows, sufferings and torments. This is known as the Door which is in accordance to the production of Twelve Conditioned Links of Causation.”

“If there is no false thought because of delusion, then where will activities and karmic deeds arise? If there is no activity and Karmic deeds, where will there be the entering of womb by consciousness? When there is no consciousness to enter the womb, where then will it give rise to a foetus, the form of a body?”

“When there is no form body, the six roots will not exist. When there is no six roots, there will have nobody to experience the six kinds of senses of touch. When there is no senses of touch, there will have no feeling.”

“When there is no feeling, there is no love. Without love, attachment to possession will not arise. When there is no attachment to possession, there is no more karmic causes for future birth…”

“When there is no karmic causes for the future birth, there is no more birth in future. Without birth, there is also no old and death. And the worries, sorrows, sufferings and torments will not follow. This is the Door of Reversal and Extinction of the Twelve Conditioned Links of Causation.”

“Confusion, you should know that all the living beings are unable to contemplate the Dharma of Twelve Conditioned Links of Causation and so they revolve and suffer in the seas of birth and death. If there is a man who is able to contemplate the Dharma of Twelve Conditioned Links of Causation, then he is able to see the Reality Form Dharma. If a man is able to see the Reality of Form Dharma, he indeed sees The Buddha.”

“When a man sees The Buddha, he is able to see The Buddha Nature. Why did I say so? Because all The Buddhas also base on the Twelve Conditioned Links of Causation as The Dharma Nature. Now you are able to listen to the Twelve Conditioned Links of Causation from me, you will obtain the Pure Buddha Nature. You are suitable to be the Dharma Vessel in the Door of The Buddha.”

“Now I will again tell you the only True Path. You should give thought to protect every single mindfulness. The single mindfulness is known as The Bodhi Mind. The Bodhi Mind is also known as The Mind of the Great Vehicle.”

“Because the root nature of the living beings is different, so all the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas teach and differentiate the Three Vehicles. You should constantly be mindful and look after the Bodhi Mind. Never should you forget it.”

“Even if your body is burnt by the five skandas of forms, feelings, thoughts, activities and consciousness, is being swallowed and eaten by the four snakes of earth, water, fire and wind, is being attacked by the three poisoning of greed, hatred and delusion, is being invaded by the six thieves of forms, sounds, fragrance, tastes, senses of touch and dharma,and is being harmed and tormented by the devils and demons, you should remain unmoving and never should you change your Bodhi Mind.”

“With the Bodhi Mind, your body will be as hard and firm as the Vajra. Your mind will resemble the empty space where no one can really harm and destroy it.”

“If the Bodhi Mind is firm and solid, it is replete with the four virtues of Nirvana, namely, Permanence, Bliss, True Self and Purity. It will help us to attain The Unsurpassed Proper, Equal and Perfect Enlightenment.”

“When you are replete with the four virtues of Nirvana, you will be liberated from the conditions of birth, old age, sickness and death, and all the realms of hells. Then, the ghastly ghost of Impermanence will naturally have no way to chase and catch hold of you to settle the case.”

After The Buddha had finished His Teaching, the messenger of the ghost who dwelt in the empty space gave rise to the following thought, “The World Honoured One said that even the hells could also be transformed into Pure Lotus Pond. Then why did not I renounce the state of the ghost realm?”

Then he told the woman, Confusion, “After you have certified to the sagely path, please do not forget to cross me over.”

After that, The Thus Come One of Pervasive Lights and Proper Views again taught the woman, Confusion, “I have already taught you the Dharma of Twelve Conditioned Links of Causation. Now I will teach you also The Six Paramitas or The Six Cross-Over, which are also practiced by the Bodhisattvas.”

“What are the Six Paramitas? The first Paramita is to give expansively. Giving helps us to cross over the feelings of greed and stinginess. The second Paramita is to uphold the precepts firmly. By doing so, we will cross over wrong actions and intentions of being heedless in committing offences.”

“The third Paramita is to be patient always. Such practice will cross over the feelings of hatred and anger. The fourth Paramita is to be diligent constantly. A man who is diligent will cross over laxity and heedlessness. The fifth Paramita is to cultivate concentration diligently. Concentration helps to cross over confusion.”

“The sixth Paramita is to clearly penetrate the wisdom. A wise man will cross over his delusion and ignorance. When a man is able to uphold the six paramitas fully and completely, only then will he arrive at the other shore. He should never even neglect any one of the Parmitas. There is also a verse on the accomplishment of Buddhahood by The Buddhas in the past.”

“All activities are impermanent. They are the dharma of birth and death. When there is no more birth and death, a man will enjoy the bliss of quietude and extinction. You should uphold and practise this dharma joyfully.”

At that time, the woman, Confusion was full of happiness after listening to the Buddha Dharma. Her heart opened up and became clear and pure. She understood deeply and had an awakening to the Dharma. With the endowment of the spiritual strength of The Buddha, she rose up to the empty space and reached a height of seven times the height of a Tor- Lo tree. She sat in meditation peacefully in the empty space.

At that time, there was a wealthy Brahman of Great Surname whose wealth was uncomparable by others. One day, he was infected with a serious disease. After checking by the doctor, it was found that his disease could only be cured by partaking a mixture of human eyes and herbs.

 So, the Wealthy Elder ordered a servant to sing out aloud as follows in all roads and lanes…”

“Who can tolerate the pain of digging out the eyes to sell? I will buy them with good price. I will exchange them with gold, silver, pearls and jewels. You can take as much as you wish. I will not be stingy. It is a promise!”

The woman, Confusion heard those words while sitting in the empty space. She was filled with joy and immediately gave rise to the following thought, “Now I have listened to the teaching of The Buddha on The Sutra of Longevity. All my evil and sinful karmas have been extinguished. My mind has clearly awakened to The Buddha Nature. And I am able to stay far away from the ghastly ghost of Impermanence and the acute torments in the hells.”

“I should repay the kindness of The Buddha even if it means to grind down my body and bones into powder.” After thinking like that, she sang out, “I am forty-nine years old now. After listening to The Sutra of Longevity and The Extinction of offences from The Buddha…”

“…I will give up my body and life and vow to write forty-nine copies of the Sutra on Longevity, even if it means to grind my body down into powder. I only hope that all the living beings will be able to accept, uphold, read and memorize this Sutra. I must sell my eyes in order to pay those who help me to write the Sutra. The value of my eyes is not fixed. So you can pay me as you wish.”

At that time, the Heavenly King Shakra transformed himself into forty-nine men who came to the home of the woman, Confusion. They said, “We wish to write the Sutra for you. After you have seen the Sutra only will you sell your eyes. What do you think?”

The woman Confusion was genuinely happy and grateful for their help. Immediately she cut her body and took out a piece of bone. Then she sharpened it to become the shape of a pen. She offered her blood as ink for them to write the Sutra.

After seven days, they managed to finish writing The Sutra. The men who were the transformation bodies of The ShakraHeavenly King told Confusion, “We hope that you will keep your promise. As we have already finished writing The Sutra,you should dig out your eyes for us after you have read them. Then we will sell them to the Brahman.”

Then the woman Confusion ordered a man by the surname Chandera to dig out both her eyes. She also asked the fortynine men to give Chandera a share of the money for selling her eyes.

When Chandera was about to dig out her eyes, the forty-nine men cried together to prevent him from doing so. They praised thus,“Rare indeed! Rare indeed! It is inconceivable! This woman, Confusion who cares not for her body or life, was able to
sharpen her bone as pen, to squeeze cut her blood as ink, and endure great pain and injuries, just for the sake of writing
down this Sutra. How could we have the heart to dig out her eyes?”

So, with kindness and compassion, they told the woman, Confusion, “Now, we do not need to sell your eyes to the Brahman. But we hope that after you have accomplished The Way, please come first to rescue and cross us over!”

“In life after life, wherever you are born, we hope to come together to you, to become good knowing advisers and widely proclaim this Sutra in order to rescue and cross over all sinful living beings.”

At that time, The Dragon King Nanda by using his spiritual penetration power, performed magical transformations, stole the Sutra of the woman Confusion and kept it at the Dragon Palace. He accepted, upheld and made offerings to The Sutra. The woman, Confusion who suddenly lost the Sutra in such a short space of time, was greatly disturbed. She cried tearfully and ran to see The Buddha. She said,

“World Honoured One, I, who care not for body nor lifespan, cut the flesh and dug out the bone to write the Sutra of Longevity, only hope to widely circulate it among all living beings. But now I have lost the Sutra. I feel extremely sad, just as though my body was pierced by the poisonous arrow. Such pain is difficult to bear.”

The Thus Come One Pervasive Lights told Confusion, “Your Sutra was taken by the eight-fold Dragon King, who accepts, upholds and makes offering to it in the Dragon Palace. In fact, you should be happy about it. Don’t be so worried and sorrowful.”

“Confusion, your present deed is very good. After your lifespan is over, you will be born into the Heavenly Realm of Noform. With the merits and virtues thus accumulated, you will enjoy the heavenly blessings and bliss. Never will you be born in the form of a woman.”

At that time, the woman Confusion told The Buddha, “World Honoured One! My wish is not to enjoy heavenly blessings.But I only hope to meet The World Honoured One in every life, to protect the Bodhi Mind and never to retreat from the Bodhi Path. Wherever I go, I will proclaim this Dharma constantly to all sinful living beings.”

The Thus Come One Pervasive Lights said, “Are you telling me the false speech?” The woman, Confusion answered, “If I were to falsely lie to you, may I be again chased and tormented by the ghastly ghost of Impermanence…”“…If what I have said is true with no falsity, before The Buddha may the wounds on my body be even and as smooth as before, immediately!” After she had made the vows, her body recovered immediately just as before.

The Thus Come One Pervasive Lights told Confusion, “If you are able to sincerely be mindful of The Buddha, with one – heart-undivided, then you can travel from one Buddhaland to the next Buddhaland. You will be able to see innumerable and limitless Buddha Worlds. Besides, you can also understand the unspeakable and inconceivable speeches and words of those Buddha Worlds.”

At that time, the woman Confusion in the space of a breath certified to the Dharma Patience of No-Birth, which is also known as the Bodhi Mind of Unsurpassed, Proper, Equal and Perfect Enlightenment.

“Manjushri, you should know that the past Thus Come One Pervasive Lights was my former existence; while the woman Confusion was your former existence. The forty-nine men are the present forty-nine Bodhisattvas who have just brought forth the Bodhi Resolve.”

“Manjushri, from innumerable long kalpas until now, I always proclaim for you all this Sutra and the Dharma to protect the body, in order to help all the sinful living beings to eradicate their offences after listening to the Sutra of Longevity and the Extinction of offences, even if they can only listen to as little as half a verse. How much more the effect would be as I am now again proclaiming it to you!”

At that time, The King Prasenajit was at the palace. At about midnight, he heard a lady crying aloud. She was so sorrowful that her uncontrollable cries almost disturbed the heavens. So he gave rise to the following thought, “My Inner Palace is supposed to be free from all happenings. But why is there such a sorrowful cry? What has happened?”

In the morning, King Prasenajit immediately sent people to all roads and lanes in search of the lady who was griefstricken.The King’s messenger found the lady and brought her back to the palace. The lady was so shocked and startled that she lost her breath and fainted. King Prasenajit ordered people to sprinkle some water on her face. Gradually she recovered.

The Great King asked her, “Last night, someone was crying so sorrowfully and loudly. Could it be you?” The lady answered, “Yes. Indeed it was I who cried so sadly.” The Great King asked, “Why were you crying in such great pain and sorrows? Who has bullied you?”

The lady answered, “I cried in pain as I was grief-stricken with anger and hatred. In fact, no one has bullied me. May the Great King listen to my story. I married when I was fourteen years old. During the thirty years of marriage, I have given birth to thirty children. Everyone of my children was extremely lovely. They were born with reddish lips and jade-like white teeth. Everyone was cute and active. They were like the flowers in Spring.”

“I love them as though they are the pearls on my palm. They are indeed my heart, liver, brain and marrow. I value them more than my own life. But everyone of them left me for they all died at a young age.”

“Now, there remains the last one. He is about one year old. He is indeed my only hope in life. But he is so sick. I am afraid that he too will leave me soon. That is why I could no longer control myself last night and I cried in great pain!”

After listening to her, the Great King was very worried. He was really sorry for the lady. He thought to himself, “All the people rely on me to stay here. They are like my sons and daughters, if I do not save and help her to solve the problems, then I will not be suitable to be called The King.”

So, he immediately gathered in the officers to discuss the problem. Among them were the six great officers whose name were as follow: The first one was known as Seeing Forms, the second was known as Listening To Sound, the third was known as Fragrant Feet, the fourth was known as Great Eloquence, the fifth was known as In Accord To Condition and the sixth was known as Easily Defiled. Together they with respect told the Great King,“When a baby is born, the family should prepare a spiritual altar for the seven stars and twenty-eight constellations to seek blessings and the prolongation of life. Then he will not suffer from dying young. We only hope that the Great King will widely announce this method to all people.”

At that time, there was a wise and intelligent great officer who had cultivated lots of good roots before innumerable Buddhas. His name was Concentrated Wisdom. He came forth and told the Great King respectfully, “May the Great King discern the matter. The method which was suggested by the six great officers will not be able to relieve the suffering of the dying young. Only The Buddha can extinguish the suffering of dying young.”

“Presently, The Buddha is by the surname Gautama. He is known as The Prince Siddhartha. The Prince attains Enlightenment without a teacher. He clearly penetrates and is certified to the truth of the universe. Now he is at Mount Grdhrakuta, teaching the Sutra of Longevity and the Extinction of Offences. I only hope that The Great King will go to listen to his teaching.”

“If a man is able to listen to half a verse of this Sutra, all the offences which were committed by him in hundreds of thousands of lives will be extinguished. All the young children who have heard of the Sutra will gain merits and virtues and they will naturally obtain a long lifespan even if they cannot really understand its meaning.”

The King Prasenajit said, “Once I heard the six teachers who told me about the monk by the Surname Gautama. They said that he practised The Way within a very short period of time. His knowledge is not profound enough but very shallow as he is still young and naïve. According to the Sutra of the six teachers, ‘The youth who can create evil and auspicious transformations is by the Surname Gautama. People who have paid respect to him will mostly lose the Proper Path.’ ”

Upon hearing that, the Great Officer Concentrated Wisdom respectfully presented the following verses to the Great King,“Sakyamuni is The Teacher of Gods and People, For innumerable Kaplas. He has cultivated asceticism. Now He has attained Buddhahood and turned The Dharma Wheel, He based His teaching on the teaching of The Past Buddhas.”

“He never goes against the wishes of all sentient beings. With great strength of kindness and compassion He rescues the lost beings. The chances for one to encounter a Buddha is like a tortoise which has come upon a floating log. And also like the blossom of Udumbara Flower which is the most wonderful. I only hope that The Great King will go to listen to The Dharma. May The King not listen to the words of the six deviant teachers.”

At that time, after speaking the verses, Concentrated Wisdom the Great Officer, by using his spiritual penetration power left the ground and rose to the empty space. He reached a height of seven times the height of a Tor-lo tree. Immediately, before The Great King, he said the Mantra. And in an instant he was able to lead Mount Sumeru and the water of the great seas to enter his heart. But his body still remained calm and relax without obstruction.”

When the King Prasenajit saw such a state, he was filled with awe. He knew that Concentrated Wisdom Great Officer was the genuine Good Knowledge Adviser. So he made obeisance to him and asked, “Who is your Dharma Teacher?”

Concentrated Wisdom Great Officer answered, “My teacher is Sakyamuni Buddha. Now He is dwelling at Mount Grdhrakuta in Rajagrha (The Royal Palace City) and speaking The Sutra of Longevity and The Extinction of Offences.”

After listening to that, the Great King was filled with joy. Immediately he asked Concentrated Wisdom The Great Officer to take over the tasks of settling important issues in his country. The great King gathered in a big retinue of relatives, great officers and Elders. Then the whole procession of jewelled carriages led by four horses travelled all the way to Rajagrha. He also brought the lady and her son along.

When they arrived at Mount Grdhrakuta in Rajagrha, they offered fresh flowers and a hundred Kinds of special offerings to The Buddha. Then they took off the ornaments from their bodies and circumambulated The Buddha for seven times. They put their palms together and made obeisance to The Buddha. They also showered fresh flowers as offerings to The Buddha. Then The King retold the happenings of the lady to The Buddha.

Immediately The Buddha told The King Prasenajit, “This lady was a step-mother in her former life. Out of jealousy she used poison to murder the thirty children of the first wife.”

“Those sons and daughters who were being murdered by her made the following vows, ‘I vow that I will become her son or daughter in every life. After she has given birth to me, I will die soon at a young age to cause extreme misery to her. She will suffer just as though her liver and intestines are being cut into pieces.’ ”

“But now she has come to listen to The Sutra of Longevity and The Extinction of Offences. Even if she can listen to a single verse, all her enemies and creditors will never again come to take revenge on her.

After that, The World Honoured One told the large multitude in the Dharma Assembly, “When the consciousness of a foetus enters the womb, The Mara Bo-Xun immediately releases four great poisonous snakes and six evil thieves of dustmotes into his body. If one of the four snakes or six thieves is not properly taken care of, the root of life for the foetus will immediately be terminated.”

“I have a Dharani Mantra which can help to increase the lifespan of a child. If the child is infected with diseases and undergoes great sufferings, once he has heard the Dharani Mantra, the disease will immediately be cured. This Mantra will chase away all evil ghosts. Then He said the following Mantra.

“Bo-Tou-Mi-Bo, Tou-Mi-Ti-Pi,
Xi-Ni-Xi-Ni, Xi-Mi-Zhu-Li,
Zhu-Luo-Zhu-Li, Hou-Lou-Hou-Lou,
Yu-Li Yu-Luo, Yu-Li-Bo-Lou-Bo-Li-Wen,
Zhi-Zhen-Die, Pin-Die-Ban-Tzi-Mo-Die-Chi-Na-Jia-Li-Su-Bo-He.”

The Buddha said, “If good men and good women are able to accept, uphold, read and memorize the words in this Dharani Mantra, or speak the Mantra for the foetus that dwells in the womb, the babies who leave the wombs, or the sick children for seven days and seven nights, besides make offerings by burning the incenses and showering the flowers.

They must also write down, listen, accept and uphold the Mantra wholeheartedly. Then all the serious diseases and the former offences will be eradicated.”

At that time, the Medicine King Bodhisattva, Qi-Po went forth to The Buddha and said, “World Honoured One! I am known as The Great Medicine King and am able to cure all diseases. The small babies may be infected with nine kinds of diseases which will cause them to die young. What are the nine kinds of diseases? The first is that the parents have coitus at wrong hours.”

“The second is that the place where the baby is being delivered is defiled by the blood. So the earth spirits leave the home and the evil ghosts get the chance to enter the household. The third is that during the delivery, the navel of the baby is infected with bacteria as it is not properly cleansed with antiseptic. The fourth is that during the delivery, cotton wool with no antiseptic is used to wipe the defiled blood from the womb which envelops the baby.”

“The fifth is that animals are killed in the preparation of a feast for relatives and friends. The six is that during the pregnancy and the period for feeding, the mother partakes all kinds of raw and cold fruits and food. The seventh is that when the child is sick, he is fed with all types of meat.”

“The eighth is that during delivery, an evil state appears in the delivery room. And if the umbilical cord is still attached to the mother, the mother will die. If the umbilical cord is already cut off, the baby will die.”

“What is meant by the inauspicious appearance? For examples, people can see all types of dead carcasses and different unusual, strange and unclean appearances. Because the eyes see unclean appearances, so it is known as inauspiciousness. If we grind the Niu Huang, pearls and granulated bright sand into powder and mix it with honey to feed the baby, it will help to stable his mind and spirit. And he will escape from all inauspiciousness.”

“The ninth is that the baby is beaten by the evil ghost when he is brought for a walk at night. All new born babies should be taken care of properly in order to avoid the above situations. Then he will not die young.”

At the same time, in the palace of the Mara, the Heavenly Mara Bo-Xun who had the penetration of others thoughts, knew that the Buddha was teaching The Dharani Mantra of Longevity, The Extinction of Offences and The Protection of Young Children to the multitude. So he was very angry. He scolded harshly and was worried and displeased.

The King of Mara had three daughters. They saw that their father was extremely angry, uneasy and worried. So they went
 orth to enquire him, “May we know why our father, The King is so worried, angry and unhappy?”

The Mara’s King answered, “That Monk by the surname Gautama is now speaking The Sutra of Longevity and The Extinction of Offences to innumerable and limitless living beings at Mount Grdhrakuta in Rajagrha. He intends to widely circulate and proclaim this Sutra to all present and future living beings, so that they will attain the bliss of longevity. By doing so, he has invaded my Mara’s state and brought about great harm. So, how can I not give rise to evil thoughts?”

“Now, I want to lead my retinue of relatives and all the Mara’s soldiers to conquer Him. Even if I cannot stop The Monk Gautama from proclaiming The Sutra of Longevity and The Extinction of Offences, but with my present strength of awesome spiritual penetration, I can close the ears of all heavenly beings and the multitudes in that assembly so that they will be unable to hear The Buddha speaks The Sutra.”

After hearing that, the three daughters of Mara immediately advised their father by using the verses,

“The Heavenly Mara Bo-Xun has three daughters,
Who made obeisance before their father, The King and said, ‘The Monk Gautama is The Teacher of God and People,
The power of the Mara is unable to affect him.
Formerly He dwelt under the Bodhi Tree,
When He first sat on the Auspicious Dharma Seat,
The three of us tried to lure Him with our beauty,
As we are the most beautiful among the Heavenly ladies.’ ”
“ ‘We used hundreds kinds of beautiful dances to capture His attention,
But the Bodhisattva did not even give rise to a thought of indulgence
He contemplated the three of us like the old ladies,
So now He is able to attain The Bodhi of Proper Enlightenment
And becomes The Teacher of all beings.
Father, you with your bow and arrows tried to frighten Him,
With your soldiers and weapons that fully filled up the empty space,
But the Bodhisattva contemplated them like the show for children,
He was not frightened; neither did He retreat from The Bodhi Mind.
So now He is certified to The Bodhi Path and becomes The Dharma King.
We only hope that our father, The King will put to rest the evil thoughts.’ ”

After listening to the verses of his daughters, the Heavenly Mara Bo-Xun renewed his plan and readjusted his retinue of relatives into new groupings. Besides he chose an efficient troop of intelligent soldiers and told them, “I will go with you all to the dwelling of The Buddha. We must pretend that we want to surrender. We must make use of different kinds of skills
in-means so that The Buddha will believe in us.”

“If we are able to get his trust, then we can use the chance to do all kinds of evil deeds, in order to obstruct the propagation of this Sutra.” After saying that, he together with his retinue of Mara went to the dwelling of The Buddha.They circumambulated The Buddha for seven times. After that he said,

“World Honoured One, are you tired after speaking The Dharma? I now bring my retinue of relatives along to listen to the Sutra of Longevity and The Extinction of Offences. We wish to become the disciples of The Buddha. I only hope that The World Honoured One who is kind and compassionate will accept us. May I obtain what I have desired.”

The World Honoured One scolded the King of Mara immediately, “You were already full of anger when you were at your palace. Your plan is to come here and pretend to walk about in my assembly, waiting for chances to commit all evil deeds. In the Buddha Dharma, we do not allow you to deceive others.”

Immediately the King of Mara B-Xun was ashamed of himself. He stopped putting on his deceitful appearance and said to
The Buddha, “World Honoured One! My stupid and deceitful plans can surely be unable to conceal from you. May The Buddha who is greatly kind and compassionate forgive my offences! Now as I have heard The Dharani Mantra on Longevity, The Extinction of offences and The Protection of small children, I vow that,

“ ‘ In the Dharma Ending Age, if there are living beings who accept, uphold, write down, read and recite this Sutra, wherever they may be, I will protect them so that no evil ghosts will have the chance to harm them.’ “

“ ‘If those people who have already fallen into the hells are to remember and be mindful of this sutra for just an instant, I
will use my spiritual power to take the water of the great seas and pour on the offenders so that they will feel refresh with the moisture of water. I will transform the great Hells into lotus ponds too. ‘ ”

At that time, there were many Flying Raksas, with Eating Children Raksa as their leader came together with their retinue of Raksas of the same family. They came down from the empty Space and circumambulated The Buddha for a thousand times. They told The Buddha, “World Honoured One! We for innumerable kalpas have been born as Raksas. Our retinue of relatives are as many as there are sands in the Ganges River.”

“Everyone of us suffers from hunger. Wherever we go, we will look for foetus and new born babies. We then eat their flesh and drink the blood. Our retinues always spy on all living beings and we wait for the time when the husband and wife are having coition in order to eat the sperms. Then, they will have no children. Or at times, we follow them and enter the wombs to destroy the foetus and partake the blood.”

“Or we try to find chance to kill the new born baby within the first seven days. Even for a child who is under ten years old,our retinue will change themselves into all kinds of evil worms and poisonous bacteria to enter the stomach of the child. We consume on his internal organs, sperms and blood. By doing so, the child will vomit the milk and be infected with dysentery. Sometimes he may be infected with intestinal disorders or Malaria.”

“Or at times, we will cause him to be so sick that is eyes become greenish blue in colour. The body will be swollen with water and the belly is inflated. Gradually we are able to take away his life. Now, we have listened to The Buddha’s teaching on Longevity, The Extinction of Offences and The Protection of Young Children, we will uphold the order of The World Honoured One even if it means that our retinue will have to suffer from hunger. We will never again dare to eat the foetus and babies.”

The Buddha told the raksas, “You all should accept and uphold the precepts in The Buddha Dharma. By upholding the precepts, after the passing away of the raksa’s body, you will then be able to attain a rebirth in the heaven to enjoy the blessing and bliss.”

Again, The Buddha told the multitudes in the assembly, “If there is a child who is suffering from all kinds of diseases, you should teach the kind mother to take out a small portion of the breast milk and disperse it into empty space, to give to all the raksas. And with a pure body and mind, she should accept and uphold this Dharani Sutra on Longevity, the Extinction of Offences and the Protection of Young Children. She may write it down, read and recite it. The child will soon recover from the sicknesses.”

When all the raksas heard this, they were extremely happy and told The Buddha, “If we are able to attain a rebirth in the heaven, our retinue will never again harm the children and take their milk. Even if we were to swallow iron pellets, we will never drink the children’s blood.”

“After the Buddha has entered Nirvana, if there is a man who can read, recite, accept and uphold this sutra, wherever he may be, we will carry the Vajra Rod of The Buddha to protect him. We will never let the evil men to get the chance to disturb and harm The Dharma Master, neither do we allow the evil ghosts to cause any harm and misery to the young children.”

At that time, all the great Heavenly Kings and their retinue, all the Dragon Kings, Yaksa Kings, Asura Kings, Garuda Kings, Kinnaras Kings, Mahoragas Kings, Xue-Li-Dou Kings, Pi-She-Zhe Kings, Fu-Dan-Na Kings, Jia-Zha-Fu-Dan-Na Kings and other Kings who each brought along their retinue of followers and relatives.

They made obeisance to The Buddha. Then they brought forth the same mind, put their palms together and said,”World Honoured One! From now onwards, wherever there are Bhikshus, Bhikshunis, Upasaka and Upasika who are able to accept and uphold this Sutra of Longevity, or write it down, I together with my retinue will always protect such a person and the place where he dwells.”

“We Kings are able to chase away all evil ghosts. There are evil ghosts who disturb and harm the living beings and cause them to be infected with diseases. If such a patient who is able to write down, accept, uphold, read and recite this Sutra with a pure body and mind, we Kings will subdue all the evil ghosts so that they will be unable to harm this man. Neither will he die in accidents or experience great pain and torture in his death bed.”

At that time, The Heavenly Spirit of Firm and Solid Earth also left his Seat. Respectfully he said to The Buddha, “World Honoured One! If the disciple of The Buddha accept and uphold this Sutra of Longevity, the Extinction of Offences and The Protection of Young Children, we Heavenly Spirits of Earth will always provide him with abundant food from the earth in order to strengthen him. He will obtain an increase in the blessing of a long lifespan.”

“We will always offer all kinds of gold and silver, wealth, grains and rice to the man who has faith in this Sutra, so that he will never be in lack of anything. He will obtain a healthy and peaceful body with no more worries, suffering and anger.”

“His mind is always blissful for he has obtained the superior fields of blessing. No evil ghosts will be able to take away his life. If there is a new born baby, within the first seven days of his birth, we earth spirits will protect him so that he will not die at a young age.”

After that, The Vajra of Great Strength also said to The Buddha at the assembly, “World Honoured One! After The Thus Come One has spoken This Dharani Mantra of The Sutra of Longevity, The Extinction of Offences and The Protection of Young Children, all the different Heavenly Kings and their retinue, those raksa kings, The Dharma Protectors and the good spirits all brought the vows to protect those who read, recite and write down this Sutra. Besides they also offer them whatever they need so that they will not be in lack of anything.”

“I once asked the Great Virtuous One Bhargavan who spoke the Great Spiritual Strength Mantra of Auspicious words. If there are living beings who are able to hear these words for once, in hundreds of thousands of life-time, they will not experience the suffering of a short life-span. Besides they will be endowed with innumerable blessing and lifespan. Besides their bodies will be free from sicknesses.”

“Even with the four Mara who are still dwelling in the body, they will be under controlled. So such a being will increase in lifespan. He may live up to one hundred and twenty years old. He can even attain state with no aging and no-death. He will obtain the Fruition position of non-retreating.”

“If those disciples of The Buddha who are infected with serious diseases are able to hear this mantra, the evil ghosts will have no way to take away their lives.” Then The Great Strength Vajra said The Mantra:

“ ‘Dou-Ti-Ye-Ta, Zhan-Ta-Li, Zhan-Ta-Luo-Pi-Ti, Zhan-Ta-Luo-Mo-Niu, Zhan-Ta-Luo-Pa-Ti, Zhan-Ta-Luo-Pu-Li, Zhan-Ta-Luo-Men-Yi, Zhan-Ta-Luo-Ti-Li, Zhan-Ta-Fei-Mie, Zhan-Tu-Luo, Zhan-Ta-Luo-Po-Luo-Zi, Zhan-Ta-Luo-Fu-Ta-Li, Zhan-Ta-Luo-Po-Ti-Yi, Zhan-Ta-Luo-Po-Mie, Zhan-Ta-Luo-Fa-Zhi, Zhan-Ta-Luo-Lu-Ji, Su-Po-Ho.’ ”

The Buddha said, “Good indeed! Good indeed! The Great Strength Vajra! Now, as you are able to speak this Auspicious
Spiritual Mantra of Protecting the Young Children, you will soon become The Greatest Leader and Teacher of all sentient
beings.”

The Buddha then turned to speak to Manjushri Bodhisattva, “Manjushri! You should know that this Mantra was proclaimed by all the past Buddhas. It has the awesome strength to protect all cultivators. Besides it helps to increase the lifespan of Gods and People and to eradicate all offences, defilement and evil views. It also helps to protect those who uphold this Sutra so that they will increase in blessings and obtain a prolongation of lifespan.”

Again, The World Honoured One spoke to the Dharma Prince Manjushri, “After my extinction, in the Evil World of Five Turbidities, if there is a Bhikshu who goes against the rules of precepts which are taught by me, who is attached to Bhikshunis and other girls, or who desires the Shramanas and Shramaneras, or who partakes meat and drinks wine……”

“Who has strong and uncontrollable desires for love, or who carries out other impure worldly affairs, but still does not give rise to a sense of shame or remorse. Such a mind resembles that of a piece of hard wood and he is sure to be despised by worldly people. Indeed he will destroy my Dharma. You should know that such a Bhikshu is not my disciple. He belongs to the group of Bhikshus who practises (practices) the five unwholesome deeds. He also belongs to the retinue of Heavenly Mara and is in the group of six teachers of the deviant path.”

Bhikshus like these will presently obtain a short lifespan. Those Bhikshunis who break the precepts will also receive the same retribution. But if they are able to repent and reform sincerely, and never to commit such offences, besides receiving and upholding this Sutra, then they will be free from offences and obtain longevity.”

“Moreover, Manjushri! After my extinction, in the Evil World of Five Turbidities, if there are Bodhisattvas who slander others, who enjoy praising themselves for being full of merits, virtues, goodness and beauty, who are stingy to teach and pass on the Great Vehicle Sutras to others, such Bodhisattvas indeed belong to the retinue of the Mara. They are not true Bodhisattvas.”

“But if such a Bodhisattva is able to sincerely and wholeheartedly receive and uphold this Sutra, to write it down, read and recite it, then he will also obtain an indestructible, permanent Vajra Body just like all the Buddha. Moreover, Manjushri, after my extinction, in the Evil World of Five Turbidities, if there is a king who kills or harms his parents, who kills the relatives without any reasons, who does not carry out his duty in accord to the Proper Dharma…….”

“.…….who invades other countries for no reason at all and who kills the loyal officers if they try to advise him. On top of that, he himself indulges deeply in sexual desires and goes against The Proper Dharma which was set up by his forefathers in the King’s Lineage. Besides he destroys the Buddha’s pagodas and temples, and burns down the Buddha’s images and sutras. The country of such an evil king will face the calamities of flood and drought. The wind and rain will not come at proper time and so that citizens will suffer from thirst and hunger. Many of them will die of plague.”

“As the king is unruly, so he will obtain a short lifespan in this life. After he has passed away, he will fall into the Great Avici Hell. But if he is able to write down this Sutra, to propagate the Sutra widely besides making offering to it, to repent and reform sincerely his offences, and to carry out the tasks and country’s affairs in accordance to the Proper Dharma set up by his forefathers in the King’s Lineage, then he will gain longevity.”

“Moreover, Manjushri! After my extinction, in the Evil World of Five Turbidities, if there are High Officers and those officers appointed by the Royal Palace, who enjoy the salary but do not carry out the duties wholeheartedly. These unfaithful officers are not shameful nor do they feel remorseful in their misdeeds. They are pretentious and deceitful. They praise falsely and are not loyal to the country. They are greedy and corrupted, and go against the law. On top of that they bully the people and kill the innocent beings.”

“With the power, strength and position, they claim others’ wealth and jewels as their own without any consideration. They
also harm the people in their country. In addition, they look down on Sutras and obstruct the propagation of the Great Vehicle Buddha Dharma. People like these will obtain a short lifespan presently. After they have passed away, they will fall into the Avici Hell and never will they obtain a release.”

“But if they are able to sincerely repent and reform, in addition to accept and uphold this Sutra, write in down, read and recite it, then they will obtain longevity and are able to retain their position as High officers and enjoy the wealth. Moreover, Manjushri, after my extinction, in the Evil World of Five Turbidities, if there are Good Men, or Good Women who dwell in the homelife to practise The Buddha’s teaching, but later they change their faith and believe in the confused and evil views of the deviant path for they no longer have faith in the Proper Dharma of The Great Vehicle.”

“People like these are very stingy. They prefer to store up the innumerable amount of hundreds of thousands of gold and silver pieces but refuse to give them away. Their greed is never satiated for they will continue to seek and acquire more wealth and benefit. These rich people do not enjoy giving in order to relieve the poors. Besides, they cannot write down, accept, uphold, read and recite the Twelve Divisions of Sutras. They will never be able to escape the suffering which is brought about by the Ghost of Impermanence.”

“The household of such a person will not be peaceful. Inauspicious events will take place in the most unlikely manners without any reasons at all. For examples, there may have the sudden appearance of sparrows under the stove; the snake will glide into the halls and bedrooms; the dogs may suddenly climb up the house while the rats will produce hundreds of kinds of sounds. Many wild animals and birds will try to push their way into his house.”

“Hundreds of kinds of ghastly ghosts of the forests will appear in his house. Because of seeing the ghosts and strange sights, the man will be afflicted and is extremely frightened. Such a man may die young because he is tortured by these afflictions and frightening appearances. But if he is able to accept, uphold and write down this Sutra, and widely circulate it for people to read and recite, then he will over-power the above strange happenings. He will then obtain a long lifespan.”

“Moreover, Manjushri, after my extinction, in the Evil World of Five Turbidities, there are those living beings who as the parents in the family, will continue to pity and worry about their grown up children. Because of worries and overconcerned their mind is always unsettled. What is the reason behind this?”

“For examples, the boy who has grown up to be a man is forced to enter the military force according to the law of the country. He is not free to go anywhere and his parents will continue to worry about him. Such is called the sickness of the mind. Or may be the grown-up daughter who has already married is being looked down by the husband’s family. The husband and wife never live in harmony. The daughter will be bullied by the mother-in-laws. Because of over concerned over their daughter, the mind is never at ease.”

“Because of an unsettled mind, a man is tortured by worries, suffering and anger throughout the day. This will again cause him to fall sick easily. He will suffer from all kinds of diseases in the present lifespan. Finally he is sure to die young.”

“But if a man is able to write down, accept and uphold this Sutra, then he will obtain longevity. Because of the strength of the Sutra and Mantra, the marriage will be successful and blissful. The-in-laws will live in harmony. The son will return home peacefully and so the sickness of the mind will be eradicated.”

“Moreover, Manjushri! After my extinction, in the Evil World of Five Turbidities, there are living beings who are not replete with a mind of kindness and compassion. They kill and harm the living beings and devour the flesh of all kinds of animals. Manjushri! Such behaviour is the same as killing one’s parents, and it also resembles the eating of our next of kin and friends.”

“Because of killing and harming the living beings, in addition to destroying the foetus, such a man will lead a short lifespan presently. Even when the husband and wife are having coition, the sperms will be eaten by the Evil Raksas and so they will have no children in future.”

“But if he is able to write down, accept, uphold, read and recite this Sutra, then he can escape the evil fruition of a short
life with no children to carry down his surname. Moreover, Manjushiri, after my extinction, in the Evil World of  Five Turbidities, all living beings are born without spiritual penetration of the past lives. So they do not know the rotation of cause and effect. When they temporarily obtain the human forms, they feel that they should fully enjoy themselves presently.”

“Besides, such a man will create all sinful karma with his body. May be he enjoys slandering others, or he may make use
of his powerful, honourable and wealthy disposition to threaten others’ lives. He will give rise to all kinds of evil thoughts. On top of that he will have no faith in the Great Vehicle Sutra for he is arrogant and proud.”

“People like these will not live long presently. But if such a man is able to repent and reform sincerely, and with a subdued, soft and gentle mind, he is able to write down this Sutra. Besides he will accept, uphold, read and recite it. With the strength of such good roots, he may have the chance to prolong his lifespan. Even if he is seriously sick and has to face all calamities and dangers, he will never die in accidents.”

“Moreover, Manjushri! after my extinction, in the Evil World of Five Turbidities, if there is a living being who has to represent the country to go to another country with the order of the King, or who has to seek for treasures and wealth so as to fulfill the wishes and instructions of his parents. He may have to go through dangerous path and cross over the deep sea to carry out the business affairs.”

“And after such a man has obtained lots of wealth and benefits, he becomes proud, arrogant and stubborn. He practises all evil deeds such as playing the chess, gambling and dancing. He will make friends with the evil men and spend his money on prostitutes.”

“As he does not follow the order of the King, neither does he listen to the teaching and advice of the parents, he will lose his life finally for spending too much time in drinking and seeking the companion of beautiful women.”

“Or at times he may be lucky enough to stay alive with a little more treasure and wealth. But because of drinking, his mind gets confused and so he is unable to differentiate the safety of the roads. Finally he will enter the dangerous path and be robbed by the evil robbers. He will then be killed.”

“But if he is able to write down this Sutra, to widely bring forth the deep vows, then wherever he dwells, the evil robbers will not come forth. All evil animals will be unable to harm him. His mind is blissful and so the body is naturally calm at ease. His wealth and jewels will always be with him. With the strength of the Sutra and Mantra, he will obtain a long lifespan.”

“Moreover, Manjushri! After my extinction, in the Evil World of Five Turbidities, there are living beings who have created bad karma and fallen into the hells after passing away. After they have finished undergoing the retribution of the hells, they will be born as animals.”

“Even if such a man is able to obtain a human form, his six roots will be incomplete. May be he is born deaf, blind, dumb and mute. The shape of the body may be hunch backed, deformed, with abnormal curvature of the spine. Or at times such a person is born as a woman who is illiterate and unable to read the Sutras. Even if he is born as a man, he will be deluded, stupid and dull in nature because of the evil karma from past lives. He will not be able to read and recite The Sutra of Longevity.”

“As he is always worried and experiences all kinds of sufferings and anger, his mind is never at ease and so he will die at a young age.”

“But if he is able to invite the Good Knowing Adviser to write the Sutra for him in order to give to others, besides making obeisance respectfully and wholeheartedly to the Sutra. With the innumerable merits and virtues thus accumulated, he will never have to undergo such evil retribution. Presently he will obtain a long lifespan.”

“Moreover, Manjushri! After my extinction, in the Evil World of Five Turbidities, if there is a living being who after his death, his relatives are able to practise good deeds on his behalf so as to create merits and virtues for him within the first seven days or forty-nine days. If the merits and virtues were to divide into seven portions, the dead one can only obtain the benefit of one portion.”

“On the contrary, within forty-nine days, if a man who during his present lifespan is able to stop all household and worldly activities to write this Sutra, to offer incense and flowers to it and to make obeisance to The Buddha. He also specially prepares seven times of Vegetarian Food as Dana to offer to the Sangha in order to cultivate offering widely. The merits and virtues thus accumulated will be as many as there are sands in the Ganges River.”

“By doing so, such a man will obtain a long lifespan presently. He will never fall into the three evil paths to undergo acute sufferings. If he has already passed away, his next of kin can then use, his wealth and property to practise giving widely, to relieve the poors and make offering to the virtuous ones in the ten directions. If they can cultivate such blessings and virtues for him, the dead one will obtain all the seven portions of merits and virtues.”

“Moreover, Manjushri! After my extinction, in the Evil World of Five Turbidities, if there are those living beings who are not filial to their parents, who are unkind and with no compassion. Instead, they create the five unwholesome deeds. Besides, they are not grateful to their parents, neither do they show any love towards their brothers and sisters.”

“But the Heavenly King Who Practises The Path still goes around all worlds under the Heavens, playing all kinds of music. He also sends His retinue of relatives to Jambudvipa, during the Vegetarian Diet Months so as to bring benefit to all living beings. If a man is involved in accidents or falls sick seriously, The Heavenly King Who Practises The Path will still help him to get rid of the evil ghosts. Then he will recover from sickness.”

“But, if the living beings are not filial to their parents, are full of jealousy and create evil deeds, they will fall sick for encountering the Ghost King Who Disperses Diseases. The Ghost King will blow the foul air at them. They will then be infected with diseases of plague, or feel cold and hot alternately. They will be weak because of Malaria, or get confused when they are controlled by evil ghosts. Or the whole body is infected with ringworm and other chronic diseases.”

“But if such a man is able to purify his body and mind, burn incense and shower flowers before writing down this Sutra, on the first day of the first Lunar month, or make obeisance to The Buddha and offer Dana to the Sangha besides upholding the precepts and observing the vegetarian diet before reciting this Sutra for seven days. Then, he will never fall sick forever because of the good merits and virtues. He will gain longevity.”

“Moreover, Manjushri! After my extinction, in the Evil World of Five Turbidities, the root of living beings is gradually deteriorated and the blessing is getting less. At the end of the kalpa, there will appear in the sky the seven suns which shine at the same time. Even if there are not as many as seven, but due to the King who is lack of virtue, the land will face drought, with the air resembles that of burning fire.”

“All the grass, herbs, wood and forests, the hundred kinds of grains and sugar cane, the rice, hemp, flowers, fruits and others on the earth will wither and die.”

“But if the King and all living beings are able to read and recite, accept and uphold this Sutra, the Dragon King Nanda, Prananda and others will show pity on living beings. They will lift the water from great seas to moisturize all woodland, forests, grains, herbs, flowers, fruits, sugar cane and others. The rain like sweet dew, will moisturize all beings. Everyone will gain longevity because of the strength of the Sutra and Mantra.”

“Moreover, Manjushri! After my extinction, in the Evil World of Five Turbidities, if there are living beings who without righteousness are greedy for wealth while carrying out the business affair. They cheat the customers by adjusting the weighing machines and giving wrong measurements. Such sinful karma will bring them down to Hells after death.

“After the retribution in the Hells, they will be born as animals like cows, horses, goats, donkeys, pigs, elephants, birds and other wild lives, worms and mosquitoes, ants and other insects.”

“If there is a great Bodhisattva who is replete with kindness and compassion is to recite this Sutra repeatedly before all animals, birds, wild lives, snakes, worms, rats, ants and others, so that they will hear this Sutra in their original consciousness, then these beings will each attain liberation from their groups and kinds with the strength of Sutra and Mantra.”

“These animals and minute beings will leave their present life forms and be born in the Heavens to enjoy bliss. But if there is a Bodhisattva who is not replete with kindness and compassion, who does not have pity on living beings, and is unable to widely proclaim this Sutra, then he is not the disciple of The Buddha. He belongs to the retinue of Mara.”

“Moreover, Manjushri! After my extinction, in the Evil World of Five Turbidities, if there are living beings who are arrogant and have no faith in the Sutra of Buddha Dharma, besides they slander my Dharma.”

“Or when there is a man who speaks The Buddha Dharma but the audience is not attentive, then with the above offences, they will obtain a short lifespan. After passing away, they will be born in the Hells.”

“If there is a Way-Place which lectures on this Sutra of Longevity, and all living beings are able to go and listen to the Sutra, or exhort others to do so besides sharing the seats with them.”

“Such people are the great Dharma Protectors in Buddhism. They will obtain longevity and never fall into the three Evil Paths. If there is a man who wishes to speak this Sutra, then he can simply arrange a pure Way-Place in accordance to the size of the room.”

“Moreover, Manjushri! After my extinction, in the Evil World of Five Turbidities, all those pregnant women who kill and devour the flesh of living beings or eat the eggs so as to strengthen their bodies.”

“Such a woman who is lacking in kindness and compassion will get the retribution of a short lifespan presently. She will face a difficult delivery and might even die from it.”

“Even if she can deliver the child safely, he is indeed the creditor or enemy who comes to seek a repayment of debts. He can never be the good knowing adviser who is beneficial to the family.”

“But if this woman is able to bring forth good vows besides writing down this Sutra, accept, uphold, read and recite it, then she will not have to face a difficult delivery. Safely she will deliver the child without any hindrance. Mother and child will both be blissful. She will get what she has vowed for, either a son or a daughter.”

“Again, The Buddha spoke to Manjushri Bodhisattva, “This Sutra on Buddha’s Nature of Longevity, The Extinction of offences and The Twelve Conditioned Links of Causation that I am now speaking was also spoken by all Past Buddhas. If living beings are able to accept, uphold, read and recite this Sutra, they will obtain great blessings and benefits. Their present lifespan will be more than one hundred and twenty years.”

“When they are to pass away, torturing such as the cutting of bodies with the knives of wind will not be experienced by them. In fact they will be free from all sufferings. They will obtain The Buddha’s Vajra, Permanent and Indestructible body for reading the Sutra of Buddha’s Nature. Such a body is naturally clear and pure, with firm and solid mindfulness in every thought. Wherever they are, they will constantly be protected and illuminated by all Bodhisattvas.”

“The Bodhisattva Who Contemplates The Sound of The World and The Great Strength Bodhisattva will come to welcome the man who is mindful of Buddha. They ride on white elephants with six tusks and travel on clouds of five colours. They brought along a Lotus Flower dias to lead him to attain rebirth in the Non-Moving Buddhaland. He will naturally be blissful and does not have to undergo eight sufferings.”

“Manjushri, you should know that all deluded living beings do not realize that their lifespan with little blessing is as short as the sparks from rubbing stones or the lightning. The lifespan also resembles the foam on water surface. So they are not frightened nor worried while soaking in the seas of birth and death.”

“As these livings do not realize their danger which resembles that of burning eye-brows, so they greedily indulge in the benefits from wealth, love and sensual desires. Or they consume so much wine that their lifespan is at stake. There are also those who are jealous, deluded and arrogant. Most of them will sink in the seas of suffering with no chance for liberation.”

“Only the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are able to cross over the seas of birth and death. The common sentient beings are sure to sink into them. The ghastly ghosts of Impermanence comes at unpredictable time. Even if we wish to bribe him with innumerable and limitless amount of gold, silver, money and precious jewels, and seek to lengthen our life, it will still be in vain.”

“All living beings should know and contemplate constantly that the body is just like the four great poisonous snakes with innumerable worms that feed on it throughout days and nights. They should contemplate that the body is full of evil. It is like a dead dog which is not to be desired. And the body is impure, with the nine apertures that produce the smelly dirt, wax and sweat constantly. And it is also like a city’s pond which becomes the dwelling place for Raksas Ghosts.”

“Living beings should also contemplate that the body is like the morning dew which cannot dwell long. It will be eaten by birds and hungry dogs, so we should renounce the foul and smelly body to seek the mind of enlightenment. We should contemplate the time of death, when a man suffers acute pain just as though millions of arrows are penetrating his heart, with the two empty hands open widely.”

“When the root of life is completely cut off, the body swells and is covered with greenish bruises, within the first five days. Blood, pus and foul liquid will be oozed out. Even our beloved parents, wives and sons will not desire to take a look at it.”

“Even if it is buried in the earth, the flesh and bones will all be separated. The bones of the skeleton such as the tibia, scapula, ribs, spine and others will be at different position. The flesh, intestines, stomach, liver, kidney, lung, heart and others will all be the feeding place of abundant worms and bacteria.”

“If we are able to contemplate thus, then we will realize that there is no one who is really in existent. Then even if we were to be born in the world, all the gold, silver, pearls, carnelian, money and the treasury are none of our business. Then such a man will know how to renounce the foul, smelling body in search of Bodhisattva Path.”

“If there are living beings who seek to escape from these sufferings, then they should sacrifice all exterior possessions,even to the point of sacrificing their heads, eyes, brains and marrow in order to write down this sutra besides accepting,upholding, reading and reciting it.”

“This Sutra on The Buddha’s Nature of Twelve Conditioned Links of Causation is the secret store of all Buddhas. If a man is able to make the offering to it, circulate it and be mindful of it wholeheartedly, then he will be certified to The Unsurpassed Proper, Equal and Perfect Enlightenment. He will not die at a young age, neither will he suffer death accidentally.”

After The Buddha had spoken the Dharma of Buddha’s Nature of Twelve Conditioned Links of Causation in the Great Assembly, all The Bhikshus, Bhishunis, Upasaka, Upasika, Heavenly Dragons and the Eight-Fold Division, the Humans and Non-Humans and others, The King Prasenajit and His retinue of relatives, and other beings as many as the sands in the Ganges River, all obtained The Unsurpassed, Proper, Equal and Perfect Enlightenment. They were certified to The Dharma Patient of No-Birth.

They praised that they had never learnt such blissful Dharma. The multitude made obeisance wholeheartedly before The Buddha, accepted and upheld it joyfully.

佛说长寿灭罪护诸

童子陀罗尼经

罽宾国沙门佛陀波利奉绍译

如是我闻，一时佛在王舍城耆阇崛山中，与大比丘众千二百五十人俱，诸大菩萨万二千人俱，及诸天龙八部、鬼神、人非人等，共会说法。

尔时世尊，于其面门，以佛神力，放种种光，其光五色，青黄赤白，一色之中有无量化佛，能作佛事，不可思议，一一化佛，有无量化菩萨赞颂佛德。其光微妙，难可测量，上至非非想天，下至阿鼻地狱，遍匝八万，无不普照。其中众生，遇佛光者，自然念佛，皆得初地方便三昧。

尔时众中，有新发意菩萨四十九人，各欲从佛求长寿命，无能发问。时文殊师利菩萨知有所疑，从座而起，偏袒右肩，合掌向佛，而白佛言：世尊，我见众中有所疑者，今欲咨问，唯愿如来，听我所说。

佛言：善哉善哉，文殊师利，汝有所疑，当恣汝问。文殊师利言：世尊，一切众生，于生死海，造诸恶业，从劫至劫，轮回六道，纵得人身，得短命报。云何令其得寿命长，灭诸恶业？唯愿世尊，说长寿法。

佛言：文殊，汝大慈无量，愍念罪苦众生，能问斯事，我若具说，一切众生，无能信受。

文殊师利重白佛言：世尊，一切种智，天人之师，普覆众生，是大慈父，一音演说，为大法王，唯愿世尊，哀愍广说。

佛便微笑，普告大众：汝等谛听，当为汝说。过去世时，有世界名无垢清净，其土有佛，号普光正见如来、应供、正遍知、明行足、善逝、世间解、无上士、调御丈夫、天人师、佛、世尊，为无量无边菩萨大众，恭敬围绕。其佛法中，有一优婆夷，名曰颠倒，闻佛出世，求欲出家，悲号啼哭，白彼佛言：世尊，我有恶业，求欲忏悔，唯愿世尊，听我具说。我于昔时，身怀胎孕，足满八月，为家法故，不贪儿息，遂服毒药，杀子伤胎，唯生死儿，人形具足。曾闻智人来谓我言：若固伤胎，此人现世得重病报，寿命短薄，堕阿鼻狱，受大苦恼，我今惟忖，生大悲惧，唯愿世尊，以慈悲力，为我说法，听我出家，令免斯苦。

尔时普光正见如来，告颠倒言：世间有五种，忏悔难灭。何等为五？一者杀父，二者杀母，三者杀胎，四者出佛身血，五者破和合僧，如此恶业，罪难消灭。尔时颠倒女人啼号哽咽，悲泣雨泪，五体投地，踠转佛前，而白佛言：世尊大慈，救护一切，唯愿世尊怜愍说法。

普光正见如来而重告言：汝此恶业，当堕阿鼻地狱，无有休息，热地狱中，暂遇寒风，罪人暂寒，寒地狱中，暂遇热风，罪人暂热。无间地狱无有是处，上火彻下，下火彻上，四面铁墙上安铁网，东西四门，有猛业火。若有一人，身亦遍狱，身长八万由旬，若众多人，亦皆遍满。罪人遍身，有大铁蛇，其毒苦痛，甚于猛火，或从口入从眼耳出，周匝缠身，从劫至劫，罪人肢节，常出猛火，复有铁鸭，啄食其肉，或有铜狗，咬啮其身，牛头狱卒，手执兵具，发大恶声，如雷霹雳。汝固杀胎，当受此苦，我若妄说，不名为佛。尔时颠倒女人，闻佛说已，悲咽辟地，渐得苏息，重白佛言：世尊，唯我一人，受斯苦痛，为复一切众生，皆受此苦？

普光如来告颠倒言：汝子在胎，人形具足，在生熟二藏，犹如地狱，两石压身，母若热食，如热地狱，母餐冷食，如冷地狱，终日苦痛，在无明中。汝更恶心，固服毒药，汝此恶业，自堕阿鼻，地狱罪人是汝俦侣。颠倒女人悲号重白：我闻智者说如是言，若造诸恶，值佛及僧，忏悔即灭。设所命终，入诸地狱，造小福者，还得生天，于意云何，愿为我说。

普光正见如来，告颠倒言：若有众生，造诸重罪，遇佛及僧，至诚忏悔，不复更作，罪得消灭。设所命终，阎摩罗法王推问未定，亡者生存六亲眷属，请佛迎僧，七日之内，转读大乘方等经典，烧香散花，当有冥使，检覆善恶，持五色神旛，来至王所，其旛前后，歌咏赞叹，出微妙声，柔和善顺，报阎王言：此人积善。或多亡者七日之内，信邪倒见，不信佛法大乘经典，无慈孝心，无慈悲心，当有冥使，持一黑旛，其旛前后，有无量恶鬼，报阎王言：此人积恶。尔时阎罗法王，见五色旛至，心大欢喜，高声唱言，愿我罪身亦同汝善。当此之时，诸地狱中变为清泉，刀山剑树如莲华生，一切罪人咸受快乐。若见黑旛，阎王嗔怒，恶声震裂，则将罪人付十八狱，或上剑树，或刀山中，或卧铁床，或抱铜柱，牛犁拔舌，碓捣硙磨，一日之中，万死万生，乃至展转堕阿鼻狱，受大苦痛，从劫至劫，无有休息。

所言未讫，尔时空中有大恶声唤言：颠倒女人，汝固杀胎，受短命报，我是鬼使，故来追汝。颠倒女人惊愕悲泣，抱如来足，唯愿世尊为我广说诸佛法藏灭罪因缘，死当愿毕。

尔时普光正见如来，以佛威力，报鬼使言：无常杀鬼，我今现欲为颠倒女说长寿命灭罪经，且待须臾，自当有证。汝当谛听，我当为汝依过去千佛说诸佛秘法长寿命经，令遣汝等远离恶道。

颠倒当知，此无常杀鬼，情求难脱，纵有无量百千金银琉璃砗磲赤珠玛瑙，而将赎命，无能得免，纵使国王王子，大臣长者，恃其势力，无常鬼至，断其宝命，无一能免。颠倒当知，唯佛一字能免斯苦。颠倒，世有二人甚为希有，如优昙花，难可值遇，一者不行恶法，二者有罪即能忏悔，如是之人，甚为希有。汝能至心于我忏悔，我当为汝说长寿经，令汝得免无常鬼苦。颠倒当知，未来世中五浊乱时，若有众生，造诸重罪，杀父害母，毒药杀胎，破塔坏寺，出佛身血，破和合僧，如是等罪五逆众生，若能受持此长寿经，书写读诵，若自书，若遣人书，犹尚罪灭，得生梵天，何况汝令亲得见我。善哉颠倒，汝于无量旷劫种诸善根，我今因汝善问，殷勤忏悔，即得转于无上法轮，能度无边生死大海，能与波旬共战，能摧波旬所立胜幢。汝当谛听，我当依过去诸佛说十二因缘法：

无明缘行，行缘识，识缘名色，名色缘六入，六入缘触，触缘受，受缘爱，爱缘取，取缘有，有缘生，生缘老死忧悲苦恼；无明灭即行灭，行灭即识灭，识灭即名色灭，名色灭即六入灭，六入灭即触灭，触灭即受灭，受灭即爱灭，爱灭即取灭，取灭即有灭，有灭即生灭，生灭即老死忧悲苦恼灭。颠倒当知，一切众生，不能见于十二因缘，是故轮转生死苦趣。若有人见十二因缘者，即是见法，见法者即是见佛，见佛者即是佛性。何以故，一切诸佛以此为性，汝今得闻我说此十二因缘，汝今以得佛性清净，堪为法器。我当为汝说一实道，汝当思惟，守护一念，一念者谓菩提心，菩提心者，名曰大乘。诸佛菩萨为众生故，分别说三。汝当念念常勤守护是菩提心，勿令忘失。纵有五阴四蛇，三毒六贼，一切诸魔，来所侵娆，终不能变是菩提心。因获如是菩提心故，身如金刚，心如虚空，难可沮坏，因不坏故，即得阿耨多罗三藐三菩提，因得阿耨多罗三藐三菩提故，常乐我净具足而有，即能远离此无常杀鬼，生老病死诸地狱苦。

佛于大众中说是法时，虚空鬼使作如是言：我闻世尊说是法要，地狱清净，为莲华池，我今现舍鬼境界。鬼复答言：颠倒，汝得道时，愿见济度。

尔时普光正见如来，复告颠倒：我已为汝说十二因缘竟，更为汝说六波罗蜜，汝当受持；般若波罗蜜、禅波罗蜜、毗梨耶波罗蜜、羼提波罗蜜、尸波罗蜜、檀波罗蜜，此六波罗蜜，汝当受持。复次为汝说过去诸佛成佛之偈，而说偈言：

诸行无常是生灭法生灭灭已寂灭为乐

尔时颠倒女人闻法欢喜，心豁明净，了了而悟，以佛神力，升于虚空，高七多罗树，安心静坐。

尔时有一大姓婆罗门，家中巨富，无与等者，忽患重病，医人瞻之，须人眼睛，合药痊愈。时大长者，即令僮仆，行于衢路，高声唱言：谁能忍痛，卖双眼睛，当与千金，库藏珍宝任意所须，终不吝惜。颠倒女人闻此语已，心大欢喜，而自念言：我今从佛闻长寿经，灭除恶业，心以了了，悟诸佛性，又得远离无常杀鬼诸地狱苦，我当碎身报佛慈恩。高声唱言：我今年至四十九岁，从佛闻法，名长寿经，今欲碎身，不惜躯命，写长寿经四十九卷，欲令一切众生受持读诵，我须卖眼，将写此经，我眼无价任汝与直。时天帝释化作四十九人，至颠倒所，我愿为汝书写是经，令汝见已，当任卖眼。时颠倒女庆幸无量，削骨为笔，身肉支解，以血为墨，供给书人，于七日中，书写经竟。诸人写已，白颠倒言：向来所许两眼睛时，我等功毕，愿付我等，持卖与婆罗门。尔时颠倒即命旃陀罗者：汝可为我剜出眼睛，当令四十九人分汝一份。时旃陀罗依法欲剜，四十九人齐唱言：希有希有，不可思议，此颠倒女，削骨出血，疮秽能忍，不惜身命，书写此经，我等云何而取眼睛。以慈悲心，白颠倒女言：我等终不贪汝眼睛卖婆罗门，愿汝得道，当济度我，唯愿我等，在在处处，当当来生，常得与汝同共一处，作善知识，宣说是经，救度一切罪苦众生。

尔时难陀龙王等，以大威力，作诸幻术，盗颠倒经，于龙宫中受持供养。时颠倒女于须臾顷忽不见经，流泪哽咽而白佛言：世尊，我所碎身写长寿经，欲令流布一切众生，我今忽然不知所在，我心闷浊，愁毒难忍。

普光如来告颠倒言：汝经是八部龙王请在龙宫，受持供养。汝当欢喜，不须愁恼，善哉颠倒，汝当以此功德力故，尽此寿已，生于无色界天，受诸快乐，永不更作女人之身。尔时颠倒女人白佛言：世尊，我之所愿，不愿生天，唯愿生生世世常遇世尊，佛心不退，在在处处，常为一切罪苦众生宣扬此法。

普光告言：汝应妄语。颠倒又言：我若妄语，愿我依前无常鬼逼，我若实心，愿我身疮对佛除愈。于时颠倒以誓愿力，平复如故。

普光如来告颠倒言：汝一心念佛，从一佛国，至一佛国，汝即能见无量无边诸佛世界文字语言，不可宣说。尔时颠倒，于须臾间得无生法忍三藐三菩提心。

文殊当知，普光如来，我身是也，颠倒女人，汝身是也，四十九人，新发意菩萨是也。我于无量旷劫已来，常以护身，常与汝等宣说此经，令一切众生所有恶业，闻此长寿命经半偈于耳，皆得消灭，今又更说。

尔时波斯匿王，于其夜分，在王宫中，闻有女人高声号哭，哀恸难忍，悲不自胜，而自念言：我之深宫曾无是事，何故有是哀屈之声。于晨朝时，即敕所司，往城衢路，寻求此女。使奉王敕，寻得将来，其女惊愕，闷绝王前。王以冷水而洒其面，渐渐得苏。大王问言：昨夜号哭，审是汝不？女人答言：是我悲耳。王曰：何故怨哭，谁之屈汝？女人答言：我之所恨，实无人屈，唯愿大王听我所说。我年十四，嫡于夫家，经三十年生三十子颜容殊妙，头绀青色，唇赤如朱，齿白如玉，身体盛爱，如春中花，我之恋惜，犹如髓脑，亦如肝肠，甚于性命。此子长大，不过一岁，于秋夏时，便弃我死，其最后儿，甚是我命，今现垂困，命将欲终，我昨夜号哭，因此悲耳。

尔时大王闻此语已，深大愁恼，所有百姓，依因于我。若不救护，非名国王。即集群臣，共相论议。王有六臣，一名见色，二名闻声，三名香足，四名辩才，五名随缘，六名易染，而白王言：童子初生，当作七星二十八宿神坛延命，方免斯苦，唯愿大王，告敕天下。

尔时有一智臣，曾于无量佛所种诸善根，名曰定慧，前白大王：大王当知，六臣所言，非能免苦，今有大师字瞿昙氏，号悉达多，无师自悟，今得成佛，在耆阇崛山说长寿经。唯愿大王往彼听受，若闻此经半偈于耳，百劫千生所有重罪无不消灭。一切童子闻经于耳，虽未悟解，以经功德，自然长寿。波斯匿言：我昔曾闻六师所言，瞿昙沙门，学日浅薄，黄颔小儿，其年幼稚，六师经中，妖祥幻化，瞿昙是也，若有崇者，多失正道。尔时定慧以偈白王：

释迦牟尼天人师    曾于无量劫苦行

今得成佛转法轮    还依过去诸佛说

不违一切众生愿    慈悲大力救群迷

见佛如龟值浮木    亦如最妙优昙花

唯愿大王往听法    不信外道六师言

尔时定慧说是偈已，以神通力，从地踊上，升于虚空、高七多罗树，即于王前作诸咒术，于一念顷，令须弥山，及大海水，入于心中，安然无碍。

波斯匿王，见是事已，叹言希有，真善知识。前礼定慧，白定慧言：汝师是谁？定慧答言：我师是释迦年尼佛，今现在王舍大城耆阇崛山说长寿灭罪经。王闻此语，心大欢喜，即以国事暂委定慧，与无量眷属大臣长者，驷马宝车，前后围绕，并此女人，及其童子，赍持花鬘，百种供养，至王舍城耆阇崛山中，除诸仪饰，绕佛三匝，合掌顶礼，散花供养，具以上事而白佛言。

尔时世尊告波斯匿王：此女人者，于过去世时，身为后母，心生嫉妒，和合毒药，杀前妻儿三十之子。此子被杀，各发誓言，愿我生生世世常作其子，便即分离，令其苦切，生大悲痛。时此女人，今来得闻我说长寿命经一偈于耳，怨家债主，从斯永绝。

尔时世尊告诸大众：童子受胎，魔王波旬，即放四大毒蛇，六尘恶贼，止住其身，若一不调，命根即断。我有陀罗尼咒，善能增益诸童子寿。若有患苦，闻我此咒，一经于耳，无不除差，能令恶鬼四散驰走。即说咒曰：

波头弥波　　头弥提婢　　奚尼奚尼　　奚弥诸梨

诸罗诸丽　  侯罗侯罗　  由丽由罗　  由丽波罗波丽闻

制嗔迭　　频迭般逝末迭迟那迦梨　 苏波诃　　　　　　　　　　　

佛言：是陀罗尼咒文句，若善男子，善女人，受持读诵，为一切受胎出胎病患童子之所演说，七日七夜，烧香散花，书写供养，至心听受，所有重病，前身业障，皆得消灭。

尔时医王菩萨，名曰耆婆，前白佛言：世尊，我为大医，疗冶众病，诸小童子，有九种病，能短其命。何者为九？一者父母非时行于房室；二者初产，令血秽地，地神不居，恶鬼得便；三者初产，不去脐间诸小毒虫；四者不以兜罗软绵拭其胎中秽血；五者杀生害命而为欢宴；六者其母食一切诸杂冷果；七者童子有病，喂其杂肉；八者初产，子母未分，令诸不祥见产生处，未分解者能令母死，已分解者令童子死。何谓不祥？若有人眼见一切死尸，及诸变怪，眼不净故，名曰不祥。若以牛黄真珠光明砂蜜末微尘定童子心，能免不祥；九者夜行，被恶鬼打之。一切童子，若能慎是九事，终不至死。

尔时天魔波旬有他心智，在魔宫中，知佛说此长寿灭罪护诸童子陀罗尼咒，心大忿怒，发大恶声，愁忧不乐。魔有三女，前白父王：未审大王，何故愁恼？父王答言：瞿昙沙门，今在王舍大城耆阇崛山，为无量无边众生说长寿经，流布一切众生，得长寿乐，侵我境界，我恶心起，我今欲将诸眷属等，一切魔兵，而往讨之，纵使不能止得瞿昙，我今威力，止塞诸天及大众耳，不令闻佛说长寿经。时魔三女以偈谏父：

天魔波旬有三女    稽首前白父王言

瞿昙沙门天人师    非是魔力能禁止

昔日在于菩提树    初坐吉祥法座时

我等三女巧懒妍    诸天女中为第一

百种姿态拟欲之    菩萨都无染著意

观我三女如老姥    今成正觉菩提师

父王弯弓作恐怖    诸兵器仗匝虚室

菩萨观如童子戏    一无惊惧退败心

今日道成为法王    唯愿父王息恶意

尔时魔王波旬闻女说偈，将诸眷属，私自平章：我当与汝同往佛所，善巧方便而逡巡之，诈受佛降，令佛信用，若得信者，当作种种一切魔事而障此经。即与眷属同诣佛所，绕佛七匝，而白佛言：世尊，说法无疲劳耶，我今将领诸魔眷属，来听长寿命经，为佛弟子，唯愿世尊不违我愿。

尔时世尊呵责魔王：汝在本宫，心生忿怒，设得来此，诈作逡巡，我之法中，不容汝诈。时魔波旬羞愧交集，敛容无色，而白佛言：世尊，是我愚计，实行诈法，唯愿世尊，以大慈悲恕我愆犯。我今得闻长寿经护诸童子陀罗尼咒，我发誓愿，若后末世，有受持此经，书写读诵，所在之处，我当拥护，无令恶鬼伺求其便；设使地狱，若有罪人，须臾之间，忆念此经，我当以大神力，取大海水，灌注罪人，令大地狱，如莲华池，

尔时复有飞腾罗刹、食童子罗刹等，而为上首，与其同类诸眷属等，从空中下，绕佛千匝，白佛言：世尊，我于无量劫来受罗刹身，我之眷属，如恒河沙，各为饥饿之所逼切，于四天下，唯啖在胎及初生童子血肉。我等眷属，伺候一切众生，夫妇交会食啖其精令无胎息，或在胎中，我亦随入，伤胎食血，初生七日，我等专伺其便，断其命根，乃至十岁，我等眷属，变作种种诸恶毒虫，入童子胎，食其五脏所有精血，能令小儿吐乳下痢，或疳或疟，眼肿水腹，乃至渐渐断其命根。我等今闻世尊说长寿灭罪护诸童子经，奉世尊敕，令我眷属，饥饿所逼，不敢食啖。

佛告罗刹：汝等当受我之禁戒，令汝得舍此罗刹身，生天受乐。

佛告大众：若有童子受患苦者，令其慈母，分乳微尘，与虚空中，施诸罗刹，并清净受持此长寿命灭罪陀罗尼经，书写读诵，病则除差。时罗刹众甚大欢喜，而白佛言：审得生天，我等眷属终不能侵诸童子乳，乍食铁丸，终不能食诸童子血。于佛灭后，有能读诵受持此经处者，设有恶人恼是法师，或有恶鬼恼诸童子，我等当执佛金刚杵而卫护之，不令恶鬼而得其便。

尔时一切诸天大王，并其眷属、一切龙王、一切夜叉王、阿修罗王、迦楼罗王、紧那罗王、摩侯罗伽王、薜荔多王、毗舍遮王、富单那王，乃至迦吒富单那等一切诸王，各并眷属，礼拜于佛，同心合掌，作如是言：世尊，我等从今，在在处处，若有比丘比丘尼，诸优婆塞优婆夷，但有受持此长寿经书写处者，我等眷属，常当卫护，我等诸王，驱策恶鬼。若有恶鬼，恼诸众生，令患苦者，若能清净书持是经，我等诸王，禁摄诸鬼，不令加害，被横死苦。

尔时牢固地天，从座而起，作如是言：世尊，若佛弟子，受持此长寿灭罪护诸童子经者，我等地天，常出地味，滋润彼人，令其身中增益寿命，我等常以种种金银，种种资生，种种谷米，具足供给此信心人，令无乏少，身得安稳，无有愁恼，心常欢喜，得好福田，无令恶鬼断其命根；若诸童子，生一七日，我等地神，当拥护之，无令断命。

尔时众中金刚力士复白佛言：世尊，如来说此长寿命灭罪护诸童子陀罗尼咒经已，诸大檀越，并眷属众，各各发心，护持读诵书写是经，供给所须，无令乏少。我闻大德婆伽婆说吉祥章句大神力咒，若有众生，一闻于耳，百劫千生终不短命，得寿无量，无有病苦，虽有四魔，不能忤乱，增长寿命，满百二十，不老不死，不退不没；一切佛子，苦患重病，闻此咒者，即免诸鬼之所夺命，即说咒曰：

多地夜他，旃达利，旃达啰毗提，旃达啰魔吽，旃达啰跋帝，旃达啰不梨，旃达啰阇移，旃达啰底梨，旃达吠咩，旃突喽，旃达啰婆啰吇，旃达啰勿达梨，旃达啰婆地移，旃达啰婆咩，旃达啰佉只，旃达啰卢寄，薮婆呵。

佛言，善哉善哉，金刚力士，汝今能说此护诸童子吉祥神咒，汝当为一切众生之大导师。文殊当知，如是神咒，过去诸佛之所宣说，建立守护，善能增长人天寿命，能除一切罪垢恶见，能护一切持经之人，延其寿命。

尔时世尊告文殊师利法王之子，我灭度后，浊恶世时，若有比丘，破我禁戒，亲比丘尼，及诸处女，并二沙弥，饮酒食肉，奸淫炽盛，为诸白衣之所轻贱，毁灭我法，经营世俗不净之事，无惭愧心，犹如木头。当知此等，是五逆人，非我弟子，是魔眷属，名曰六师。此比丘等，于现世中得短命报，比丘尼等亦复如是。若能忏悔，不更复作，受持此经，即得长寿。

复次文殊，我灭度后，浊恶世时，若有菩萨，诽谤他人，自赞其善，方等经典不传付人。如是菩萨，是魔伴侣，非真菩萨。若能至心受持此经，书写读诵，即得诸佛不坏常身。

复次文殊，我灭度后，浊恶世时，若有国王，杀父害母，诛斩六亲，不依王法，广兴兵甲，侵讨他国，忠谏之臣，枉遭刑戮，淫欲炽盛，违先王法，破塔坏寺，焚烧经像，水旱不调，因王无道，国界饥饿，疾疫死亡。如是国王，现世短命，死入地狱，堕大阿鼻。若能书写是经流通供养，至诚忏悔，依先王法，即得长命。

复次文殊，我灭度后，浊恶世时，若有大臣及诸官属，身请天禄，无惭愧心，谄佞不忠，专行矫诈，贼臣危害，国土不安，设使临人，不行国法，侵克百姓，恣意贪残，横杀无辜，取他财宝，轻慢经典，魔障大乘。如是等人，现世短命，堕阿鼻地狱，无有出期。若能忏悔，受持此经，书写读诵，即得长命，永守天禄。

复次文殊，我灭度后，浊恶世时，有优婆塞及优婆夷，信邪倒见，不信正法大乘经典，如是众生，纵有无量百千金银，而怀悭惜，唯求财利，不能布施，救乏一切贫苦之者，不能书写十二部经，受持读诵，求免无常恶道之苦。如是之人，宅舍虚耗，灶下鸟现，蛇入卧堂，狗忽上舍，鼠百种鸣，诸野禽兽，竞来入宅，百种魑魅，名之为怪。以见怪故，心得烦恼，因烦恼集，得获短命。若能受持书写是经，流通读诵，即能摧破如是等怪而得长命。

复次文殊，我灭度后，浊恶世时，一切众生，男女成就，以怜愍故，而得心病。何以故，或男成长，被充兵役，如是王法，制不由己，父母念之，名为心病；或女成长，配嫡他门，而被轻贱，违夫妇道，父母念之，名为心病。为心病故，愁忧苦恼，愁恼病集，现世短命。若能书写受持此经，转长寿命，以经力故，姻亲和顺，心病消除。

复次文殊，我灭度后，浊恶世时，一切众生，无慈悲心，杀生害命，食啖一切众生十种身肉，文殊当知，如杀父母，如食大亲，或因杀命，而复伤胎，为是事故，现世短命。设使夫妇交会之时，被恶罗刹食啖其胎，令无子息。若能书写受持是经，即免斯苦。

复次文殊，我灭度后，浊恶世时，一切众生，不知宿命，暂得人身，谓为快乐，更相诽谤，或恃权豪，种种恶心，规他性命，不信经典，我慢大乘。如是之人，现世短命。若能至心忏悔，调柔其心，书写是经，受持读诵，以善根力，得长寿命，设使病患，终不横死。

复次文殊，我灭度后，浊恶世时，一切众生，或奉王敕，或父母教，而于他国及险道处，以商为业，求诸珍宝，为财利故，我慢贡高，围棋六簙，樗蒱投壶，亲近淫女，交恶知识，不用王敕，及父母诫，嗜酒耽淫，丧身殒命。设得财宝，为酒迷浊，不知道路通塞之处，后被诸恶贼劫夺其财，因以害命。若能书写是经，广发誓愿，所在之处，恶贼退散，生欢喜心，诸恶毒兽，不能娆害，身心安稳，多获宝货，以经力故，得长寿命。

复次文殊，我灭度后，浊恶世时，一切众生，以恶业故，死入地狱，从地狱出，得畜生身，设得人形，六根不具，聋盲喑哑，癃残背瘘，受女人身，不识经字，设是男子，为恶业故，痴愚暗钝，不能转读此长寿经，心生愁恼，以愁恼故，名为心病，以心病故，现世短命。若能令善知识，书写是经，自取而转，从初至末，一心顶戴，以至诚故，功德无量，如此恶业，不复更受，此人现世得长寿命。

复次文殊，我灭度后，浊恶世时，若有众生，死亡之后，从一七日，乃至七七日，所为亡者建造诸福，功德七分，亡者所得唯获其一。若能生在之时，于七七日停止家事，书写是经，香花供养，请佛迎僧，设生七斋，所得功德如恒河沙，此人现世得长寿命，永离三涂诸恶道苦，若已亡者，缘身资产建福，七分并获。

复次文殊，我灭度后，浊恶世时，一切众生，不孝五逆，无慈悲心，而于父母，无恩爱情，而事六亲。尔时行道天王绕四天下，种种音乐，将诸眷属，于三斋月，至阎浮提，若有一切众生横被诸病，行道天王为除恶鬼，令得除愈。众生不孝，嫉妒造恶，行病鬼王即以恶气嘘而病之，令得瘟疫一切重病，若热若冷，虚劳下疟，邪魔鬼毒及恶癞病。若能于岁一日，烧香散花，清净身心，书写是经，乃至七日，请佛迎僧，清斋读诵，以是善根，终无疾疫，无疾疫故，得长寿命。

复次文殊，我灭度后，浊恶世时，众生薄福，其劫欲尽，七日并照，设无七日，国王无道，令天炎旱，大地所有，药木丛林，一切百谷，甘蔗花果，将欲枯死。若有国王，一切众生，能受持读诵此经典者，难陀龙王及婆难陀龙王等，怜愍众生，从大海水，降注甘雨，一切丛林百谷草木，滋荣众生，以此经力，得长寿命。

复次文殊，我灭度后，浊恶世时，一切众生，斗秤欺诳，不义得财，以其罪业，死入地狱，从地狱出，受畜生身，所谓牛驴象马猪狗羊等一切禽兽，蚊虻虱蚁。若有菩萨摩诃萨，以慈悲心，于畜生等，及虻蚁前，转读此经，一闻于耳，此经力故，随类皆解。此等畜生，舍此身已，得生天乐。若有菩萨，无慈悲心，不能广说此经典者，非佛弟子，是魔伴侣。

复次文殊，我灭度后，五浊世时，一切众生，心生欺慢，不信经典，毁呰我法，若有说法之处，无心听学。以此罪业，现世短命，堕诸地狱。若有讲说此长寿经处，一切众生能往听者，或能劝他分坐与坐。此人是佛栋梁，得长寿乐，不经恶道，转此经法，清净立坛，随室大小。

复次文殊，我灭度后，一切女人，身怀胎娠，杀一切命，食诸鸟卵，为无慈愍心，现世得短命报，临生产难，以产难故，能断其命，或是怨家，非善知识。若能广发誓愿，书写是经，即令易产，无诸灾障，子母安乐，须男须女，随愿得生。

尔时世尊告文殊师利菩萨：我今说此长寿灭罪十二因缘佛性经时，过去诸佛之所共说。若有众生受持读诵，多获福利，尽其寿命，满百二十，临舍化时，不被风刀诸一切苦。以佛性故，得金刚不坏诸佛常身，湛然清净，念念坚固。常有菩萨，一名观世音，一名大势至，乘五色云，六牙白象，持莲花台，迎念佛者，生不动国，自然快乐，不经八难。

文殊当知，愚痴众生，不觉不知，寿命短薄，如石火光，如水上泡，如电光出，云何于中不惊不惧，云何于中广贪财利，云何于中耽淫嗜酒，云何于中生嫉妒心。如此生死，流浪大海，唯有诸佛菩萨能到彼岸，凡夫众生定当沦没。无常杀鬼来无时节，纵有无量无边金银财宝，情求赎命，无有是处。众生当知，须观此身而生念言，是身如四毒蛇，常为无量诸虫之所唼食，是身臭秽，贪欲狱缚，是身可恶，犹如死狗，是身不净，九孔常流，是身如城，罗刹处内，是身不久，当为乌鹊饿狗之所食啖，须舍秽身，求菩提心。当观此身，舍命之时，白汗流出，两手横空，楚痛难忍，命根尽时，一日二日至于五日，膨胀青瘀，脓汗流出，父母妻子而不喜见，乃至身骨散在于地，脚骨异处，膞骨胫骨、腰骨肋骨、脊骨顶骨髑髅各各异处，身肉肠胃、肝肾肺脏为诸虫薮，云何于中横生有我，生存之时，金银财宝，钱财库藏，何关我事？

若有众生，须免此苦，当须不惜国城妻子头目髓脑，书写是经，受持读诵诸佛秘藏十二因缘，流通供养，念念成就，当得三藐三菩提心，难可沮坏，终不中夭，被横死逼。

佛于大众中说此十二因缘佛性法时，一切大会，比丘比丘尼、优婆塞优婆夷、天龙八部、人非人等、波斯匿王并其眷属，数如恒沙，皆得三藐三菩提心，无生法忍，叹未曾有，一心顶礼，欢喜奉持。