The Feast Brought by the Emanated Incarnation

The Feast Brought by the Emanated Incarnation

Deep in contemplation, venerable Shariputra pondered, “How will these esteemed bodhisattvas satisfy their hunger if they prolong their gathering past noon?”

Reading Shariputra’s thoughts, the sage Licchavi Vimalakirti addressed him telepathically:

“Reverend Shariputra, the Tathágata has imparted teachings on the eight liberations. Focus on these liberations, listening to the Dharma with a mind free from material distractions. Just a moment longer, and you’ll taste food unlike any before.”

With intense concentration, Vimalakirti performed a miraculous act, revealing to the assembly the universe known as Sarvagandhasugandha. There, beyond countless Buddha-fields, resided Tathágata Sugandhakuta, surrounded by bodhisattvas, amidst fragrant trees surpassing all others.

In this realm, disciples and solitaries were absent, and only bodhisattvas gathered to receive the Dharma from Sugandhakuta. Their abodes, pathways, and parks were scented, and the aroma of their meals permeated boundless universes.

As Sugandhakuta partook of his meal, celestial beings devoted to the Mahayana served him. Witnessing this spectacle, Vimalakirti challenged the assembly:

“Is there among you one willing to retrieve food from this realm?”

Yet, none dared, restrained by Manjusri’s supernatural power.

Vimalakirti turned to Manjusri, “Are you not ashamed of this reluctance?”

Manjusri replied, “Noble sir, did not the Tathágata teach not to despise the unlearned?”

Unperturbed, Vimalakirti manifested a golden-bodied bodhisattva and instructed him to visit Sugandhakuta, seeking food to inspire beings in the realm of Saha.

Upon arrival, the bodhisattva conveyed Vimalakirti’s message. Sugandhakuta, pleased, offered food imbued with divine scents. Ninety million bodhisattvas volunteered to accompany him back to Saha.

Sugandhakuta cautioned, advising modesty and concealment of beauty to avoid envy. Instantly, they returned to Vimalakirti’s abode, where replicas of majestic lion-thrones awaited them.

Presenting the food to Vimalakirti, the bodhisattva filled the air with its fragrance, drawing multitudes to witness the spectacle. Cleansed and inspired, beings from all realms gathered, marveling at the bodhisattvas seated upon radiant thrones.

Vimalakirti urged the disciples to partake without reservation, cautioning against narrow-mindedness. Despite doubts, the food proved inexhaustible, infusing bliss into all who consumed it.

Curious about Sugandhakuta’s teachings, the visiting bodhisattvas inquired. Vimalakirti explained their unique method, contrasting it with Shakyamuni Buddha’s approach tailored to the unruly.

Impressed, the visiting bodhisattvas praised Shakyamuni’s compassion and the challenges faced in Saha. Vimalakirti highlighted Saha’s distinct virtues and the unwavering compassion of its bodhisattvas.

They discussed the qualities necessary for transcending Saha, emphasizing altruism, fortitude, and self-awareness. Inspired, many embraced the path to enlightenment, while others attained profound insights.

Link: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/05/02/the-feast-brought-by-the-emanated-incarnation/