Inconceivable Skill in Liberative Technique
In the bustling city of Vaisali, there resided a notable Licchavi by the name of Vimalakirti. He had diligently served the ancient Buddhas, honoring them and making offerings, thereby cultivating virtues. Vimalakirti had attained eloquence and patience, and he possessed great mastery over profound knowledge. He had acquired the power of incantations and fearlessness, triumphing over demons and adversaries alike. Through profound understanding of the Dharma, he attained liberation through wisdom.
With skillful application of his realization, he expertly discerned the thoughts and actions of beings, tailoring his teachings appropriately. Engaging fervently in the Mahayana path, he accomplished tasks with finesse, resembling the demeanor of a Buddha. His intellect was vast, earning admiration from all Buddhas and reverence from celestial beings like Indra and Brahma.
Vimalakirti’s wealth was boundless, dedicated to supporting the needy. He upheld pure morality to guide the immoral and exercised tolerance to reconcile those consumed by anger and cruelty. His energy inspired the lazy, while his mindfulness nurtured the troubled minds. His decisive wisdom illuminated the path for the ignorant.
Though outwardly living as a layman in white garments, he maintained the discipline of a devout follower. Despite having a family and attendants, he practiced continence and solitude. While appearing adorned with ornaments, his true adornments were the auspicious signs within. He frequented social gatherings and establishments, yet his purpose was always to guide and uplift those ensnared by worldly distractions.
Vimalakirti was hailed as exemplary among various societal roles, embodying the essence of the Dharma. He associated with people from all walks of life, yet his words always resonated with Dharma’s wisdom. Engaging in worldly affairs without attachment to profit, he aimed to train and protect living beings. He traversed various settings to disseminate the Mahayana teachings, aiming to elevate all beings towards enlightenment.
In this manner, Vimalakirti lived in Vaisali, endowed with profound knowledge of liberative techniques.
During a particular time, Vimalakirti feigned illness, prompting a multitude of beings to visit and inquire about his health. Seizing the opportunity, he delivered a discourse on the impermanence and unreliability of the physical body, urging them to aspire toward the enlightenment embodied in the Tathagata’s body. Through his teachings, many attained the spirit of unexcelled, perfect enlightenment.
Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/03/14/inconceivable-skill-in-liberative-technique-2/
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