Chapter 2 - Study: Summary of the Ten Stages

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them. This apprehension of Bodhisattva Vajragarbha is dispelled by
Bodhisattva Vimukticandra by saying that such matters would be well
guarded by the power of the Tathāgata. Further, he states that the Ten
Stages are the primary practices in order to attain the Buddha's
doctrine. 106
As soon as Bodhisattva Vajragarbha agreed to deliver his discourse,
beams of light called Bodhisattvabalā loka with innumerable light-streams
issued from the pores of Sakyamuni's body, and illuminated all the world
spheres; quitened all the evil states and sufferings; darkened the realm of
Māra, brightened all the Buddha assemblies; illustrated unthinkable power
of Buddha's knowledge-sphere; showered lustre upon the Bodhisattvas
preaching the law in the assemblies of the Tathāgatas in all the world
spheres and demonstrated innumerable Buddha miracles; settled in the sky
in the form of a large cloud-net of rays. This performance was repeated
make a boat of Dhamma and thereby take them away to the other shore of happiness.
But when he became able to make the people free from suffering, he would think to preach
the Dhamma.
This state of mind of the Buddha was understood by Sahampati-Brahmā who
appeared before him and requested thrice to preach the same for the benefit of the suffering
humanity. He also told that there would be persons with little dust (defilements) who
would hear and understand it. Being repeatedly requested in this way, the Buddha
decided to preach the Dhamma.
106 eṣā hi ādicaryā. eṣa samudāgamaḥ buddhadharmāṇām.