The Array of the Basket of Qualities Sūtra

Introduction

This on-going project is an initial loose-prose translation of the Guṇakāraṇḍavyūhasūtra based on the Sanskrit of Lokesh Chandra (1999). It will be followed eventually by an English verse translation that will more closely match the structure of the Sanskrit. A more thorough introduction will follow as more progress is made with this project.

Contents

1. The Account of the Acclaim of the Praise of the Triple Gem
   King Jinaśrī requests the arhat Jayaśrī to instruct him in the arising of the Triple Gem. Jayaśrī recounts an account (lit. avadāna) wherein Aśoka asks the arhat Upagupta the same question. After defining the Triple Gem, Upagupta praises the benefits of refuge in the Triple Gem and the practice of a Poṣadha Vrata (fast day observance). In particular, he teaches King Aśoka the method of performing the Amoghapāśa Avalokiteśvara Vrata, its benefits, and the consequences of slandering the Triple Gem. All of the assembly and King Jinaśrī obtain benefits upon hearing this teaching.

2. The Account Informing the Noble Righteous King of the Drying Up of Avīci
   King Jinaśrī requests Jayaśrī to tell him about the qualities of the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. He relates King Aśoka’s request to Upagupta, an arhat, to tell him about the qualities of Avalokiteśvara. Upagupta explains how, when the Buddha was dwelling at Jetavana, where many beings came to listen, the grove was adorned with light and jewels. The Buddha explains how the light comes from Avalokiteśvara who is liberating beings in hell, having dried it up, and sent all its beings to Sukhāvatī. King Yama is astonished, but when he finds out it was Avalokiteśvara, he extensively praises him and receives instruction from him.