Visualization Sutra

 

          The Buddha said to Ananda and Vaidehi, "When the visualization of the trees has been completed, next perceive the bodies of water.

          The Land of Ultimate Bliss has eight bodies of water; the waters of each one of these lakes are made of the seven treasures and are begotten from a wish-fulfilling pearl.  The water of each lake flows into fourteen streams, each of which is made of the seven treasures and is wondrous in color.  The banks of each channel are golden in color, and the bed is strewn with the sand of variegated diamonds.

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          "In the midst of each lake there are six hundred million seven-treasured lotus flowers.  Each lotus flower is perfectly round and is twelve jojanas in diameter.  The pearly water flows among the flowers and courses back and forth amidst the trees.

          The delicate and exquisite sounds of the flowing waters proclaim the teachings of suffering, emptiness, impermanence, non-self, and the Paramitas.  They also praise the physical characteristics and marks of the Buddhas.

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          "From the wish-fulfilling pearl, delicate and exquisite golden rays of light issue forth and become singing birds as colorful as a hundred jewels; and their harmonious and sweet songs continually praise the mindfulness of the Buddha, the mindfulness of the Dharma, and the mindfulness of the Sangha.  This is the visualization of the eight lakes of excellent qualities and it is called the Fifth Visualization.  To do this visualization is called the right visualization; to do another is called an incorrect visualization."

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